The local urban body elections, that is City corporation elections for years in Belgaum have been never fought by the political parties under their symbol. But this year it seems things are changing and major political parties like Congress, BJP and KJP and would field in their candidates for the local elections.
If one sees the history of the Belgaum corporation the elections have always been fought over the language issue to be of more prominence which majorly had three groups Marathi, Kannada and Urdu speaking, and hence each time each one stood for the election as an independent.
Even after the Corporators were elected the different groups formed were also based on languages like the Pro Marathi group, Pro Kannada group and Pro Urdu group.
But this time we could see the Hand, the lotus symbols on the EVMs for the ULB elections as well. The KJP and Congress have decided to contest all the 58 wards and BJP is also on the same lines. The Marathi groups which are divided are trying to unite and come under one Marathi banner.
Last date for filing nominations is Feb 23
Scrutiny of nominations – Feb 25
Last date for nomination withdrawal – Feb 27
Day of polling – March 7
Counting of votes – March 11
Hence from February 28 to March 6 the candidates will have the time to woo the voters in general. There are 58 wards in the city and currently only one form has been submitted from Ward no.45.
This time it looks as if this would be a great battle ground for the political parties to know what is their strength before the Assembly polls to be held somewhere in May 2013.
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