Following the High Court’s judgement of upholding the elections conducted for Madikeri City Municipal Council, lobby has started behind the screens for the posts of president and vice president.

Though the HC quashed the delimitation notification which had increased the number of wards to 31 from the previous 23, the elections remained undisturbed as the court observed that the election was saved in public interest. The court’s decision has also proved a ‘political rebirth’ to the newly elected members.

In the 31-ward CMC, 13 are of BJP, while 3 independent winners have joined it. As MPs have the right to cast their votes, the BJP’s path is clear towards securing the power.

According to sources in BJP, keen competition is likely between K S Ramesh and Sathish Pai for the post of the president. The president’s post is reserved for general category, while the vice president’s post is reserved for woman. Latha Bangera and Manjula are the possible candidates for this post, it is said.

Both K S Ramesh and Sathish Pai have entered the CMC for the second time. Both are keen on the chief’s post, and it is still a suspense that who will be ‘blessed’ by the party leaders.

But, it is yet to be revealed that whether the reservation for the posts of president and vice president changes or remains the same in the backdrop of the HC’s order. District administration is too awaiting a government order in this regard.

Congress does not have the majority to lead the CMC that has won only 9 seats. JD(S) and Independents have won two wards each, while SP and BSP have secured one seat each. If all of them come together, it is impossible for them to enjoy the power. Hence, it is inevitable for Congress to sit in the Opposition seat.

In the meantime, P P Chami, Sukhesh Changappa and B Y Rajesh who had stepped into HC earlier, have urged the Deputy Commissioner not to hold elections for the posts of CMC chiefs until the court order reaches officially.