M’luru: MCC Mayor election on March 2; Flurry of activity to choose next Mayoral candidate

Mangaluru: The preparations for the election of Mayor for Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) are in full swing, as the incumbent Mayor Premananda Shetty’s tenure ends soon.

BJP which has the majority with 44 corporators in the 60 member city corporation is sure to win the mayoral election this time too. But, selection of suitable candidates is being calculated and debated within the party circles. With the state assembly elections approaching, there are talks that a strong candidate should be fielded for Mayor’s seat.

The Mayoral seat is open for the general category this year too. After the MCC elections, Diwakar Pandeshwar and Premananda Shetty have become the City’s Mayors.

As per sources, the party has held discussions about candidates’ selections several times. There are rumors that Kiran Kumar Kodikal of Bangrakuluru ward is a front runner for candidacy. A pitch has also been made to nominate veteran BJP leader Sudhir Shetty for becoming the next Mangaluru Mayor. The party is likely to announce the name of the candidate on March 1, just before the elections commence on March 2.

A new Deputy mayor will also be chosen on March 2. This time around the post is reserved for woman candidates and senior corporator from BJP, Poornima, is likely to be nominated as the candidate, souces added.