WATCH: Auto driver’s wife becomes Shivamogga mayor

Latha Ganesha of BJP, wife of an autorickshaw driver, emerged the winner in the election to the post of mayor of Shivamogga City Corporation, here on Wednesday.

As the mayoral post was reserved for SC women, Latha Ganesha of BJP and Manjula Shivanna of the Congress filed nomination papers.

Latha bagged 26 votes and Manjula managed to get only 12 votes. One corporator remained neutral in the election.

Regional Commissioner Shivayogi C Kalasada, who was in charge of the mayoral election, declared Latha Ganesh the winner.

Deputy Mayor

In the election to the deputy mayor post, S N Channabasappa of BJP emerged the winner by defeating H C Yogish of the Congress.

Channabasappa bagged 26 votes and Yogish bagged 12 votes. One corporator did not back any candidate in the polls.

Of the 40-member strength of the urban local body, including MLAs, MLCs, 39 participated in the election.

Among them, 23 were of BJP, eight of Congress-8, two JD(S), one SDPI, one independent, two MLAs and two MLCs.

Latha Ganesha is a homemaker. She became an active member of Shree Kshetra Dharmasthala Rural Development Project (SKDRDP) and served as zonal vice president for six years. Here, she learned administration skills and the banking system rudiments.

Gradually, SKDRDP became her second home. She was made BJP president of Gadikoppa ward. She resides in a rented house on the first cross of Gadikoppa in the city.

Reacting to her victory, Latha said “I need to develop not only my ward but also the other 34 wards. I am committed to executing development works under the Smart City mission in the next five years.”

Ganesha, the husband of Latha, said “I am glad that my wife has become mayor. I will stand by her and give her all possible co-operation in discharging her responsibilities effectively.”

Latha's brother R Lakshman, is a BJP worker. His association with the party encouraged her to take part in party activities.

Latha Ganesh has three daughters and a son. Her son drives an autorickshaw in Hubballi.