It's a walkover for Bharati in Hongasandra ward

Bharati Ramachandra, the BJP candidate for the Hongasandra ward in Bommanahalli Assembly constituency, has turned out to be lucky for the saffron party. She is all set to become a corporator even before August 22, the day Bengalureans will exercise their franchise in the BBMP polls.

The 45-year-old Bharati, on Thursday, became the only candidate in her ward to remain in the fray with the election officials rejecting the nomination of the Congress candidate. And, two independents have withdrawn their papers. In effect, she will represent the Hongasandra ward in the BBMP Council.

Election officials had on Wednesday rejected the nomination papers of Congress candidate K Maheshwari from the ward as she had attached the caste certificate of her husband. The ward is reserved for BC(A)-women category.

Bommanahalli MLA Satish Reddy had filed a complaint with the election officials pointing out the lapse. Maheshwari’s nomination papers were rejected after scrutiny. The JD(S) had not fielded any candidate in the ward. Two independents candidates in the fray - Shewta and Sahana - withdrew their candidature on Thursday, helping the BJP open its account in the 198-member BBMP Council.

Celebrations broke out at Bharati’s residence soon after the two independents withdrew their nominations. “I am overjoyed. I will strive to work for the development of the ward and for the welfare of the residents,” an elated Bharati, a new entrant to politics, said. She said her priority would be effective garbage clearance under Swacch Bharat Andolan, education and ensure that the benefits provided by the government reach the people, especially the women’s organisations.

On winning the seat without an election, Bharathi said the money saved (for the conduct of the polls) could be channelised for people’s welfare. Bharati said the two independent candidates had withdrawn their nominations on their own, but the party sources said legislator Satish Reddy had spoken to them. Her husband Ramachandra was a corporator for two terms having won the by-polls in 1999 and in 2001. The couple have two sons.