K T Chaluvegowda, corporator of ward 25, was elected as a representative of Mysore City Corporation (MCC) to governing council of Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) until the end of the council’s term. At a meeting held here on Monday, Chaluvegowda was elected unanimously by corporators.

Earlier, high-drama ensued at the election, with JD(S)-Congress combine and BJP deciding to field separate candidates for the elections. While former mayor Sandesh Swamy suggested the name of K T Chaluvegowda, BJP members nominated the name of K Ramesh.

BJP corporators said that as mayor, deputy mayor, standing committee members were belonging to JD(S) and Congress, the representative for MUDA should be from BJP. 

Replying to this, MLA Tanveer Sait said that as MUDA chairman was from BJP, it would be apt to send a corporator from non-BJP party as representative. 

Meanwhile, MLC Chikkamadu intervened and said that Chaluvegowda is a veteran and has been corporator for several terms. He urged the BJP to reconsider their decision.

BJP corporators huddled for a quick meeting and later withdrew the name of K Ramesh. Later, MLC G Madhusudhan said that BJP had taken the name back as a token of goodwill and demanded that other parties should act similarly in future.

Addressing the newly-elected respresentative, MLC Thontadarya said that people are facing problems, when it comes to availing facilities for sites. 

They are made to run from pillar to post by both MCC and MUDA officials. Appointment of a representative from MCC should help ease the burden on the people. 

Ex-mayor H N Srikantaiah raised the issue of MUDA allegedly collecting tax in layouts. He said MUDA doesn’t have the right to collect taxes. 

Instead, it should be collected by MCC, he added.