Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Dec 10: BJP, which has got absolute majority in the city corporation election, is set to choose its leader Premananda Shetty, as its candidate for the post of the city mayor. Election for the posts of mayor and deputy mayor are expected to be held soon.

The BJP has 44 seats as against 14 of the Congress and two of SDPI in the corporation. As of now, there is no clarity on whether the election will be held as per the reservation criteria fixed by the then Congress-JD(S) coalition or a new criteria would be announced. As the BJP government in the state has majority, there are chances of the government making changes in the reservation to enable the candidate of the party's choice to adorn the chair.

Premananda Shetty celebrating his victory during MCC elections

As per the current reservation, the post of the mayor has been earmarked for backward A category. Under this, ten BJP corporators are eligible for the post. If this reservation is retained, Diwakar, on the basis of seniority, may get the post. The post of the deputy mayor, which has been set aside for woman candidate from general category, Sumitra Karia or Poornima may get the party's nod.

Premananda Shetty is the senior-most among the 44 BJP corporators. He has been elected for the fifth time to the corporation. It is said that he may be made mayor. Sudhir Shetty, a three-time corporator, too is interested in getting the mayoral position, it is said. For this, changes in reservation criteria will have to be made. MLA, D Vedavyasa Kamath, appears to be supporting Premananda Shetty's candidature.

Mysuru regional commissioner has to issue notification for this election and the election process might begin in a week, officials said.