The Belagavi City Corporation (BCC) has elected Mangesh Pawar (Ward No. 41) as Mayor and Vani Vilas Joshi (Ward No. 44) as Deputy Mayor, both representing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Both leaders were elected from wards in the Belagavi South Assembly constituency and are known to be close associates of MLA Abhay Patil.
With a stronghold in the 58-member civic body, the BJP commands a 60% majority, holding 35 seats apart from the three legislators who are eligible to vote. While the Mayor’s post was unreserved, the Deputy Mayor’s position was reserved for a general-category woman.
Interestingly, Mangesh Pawar had earlier faced disqualification from the House due to charges of conflict of interest and office of profit. Regional Commissioner Sanjay Shettannanavar had disqualified him after an inquiry revealed that he misused his position to secure shops for his wife at Khau Katta eat street, a public amenity built by the Public Works Department (PWD) and operated by the BCC. However, Mr. Pawar challenged the decision in the Karnataka High Court, which granted him permission to vote and contest the election.
Announcing the results, Regional Commissioner Sanjay Shettannanavar declared Mr. Pawar and Ms. Joshi as the winners and extended his congratulations.