Congress clinches Vijayapura Mayor seat

Vijayapura: Congress party clinched the Mayor seat at the Vijayapura City Corporation on Tuesday, amidst walkout by BJP members. This is the first election for the Mayor post after the local body was upgraded to City Corporation. Mahejabin Horti, the 34th ward member of Congress, emerged victorious as the Mayor, while Dinesh Halli, the corporator from the 18th ward, was declared Deputy Mayor. In the election held for the Vijayapura City Corporation in October 2022, BJP secured 17 seats, Congress claimed 10, AIMIM won 2, JD(S) acquired one seat, and five independent candidates emerged victorious in the council of 35.

The Mayor election was not held due to a reservation-related court issue. Despite the BJP holding the highest number of corporators initially, a few months ago, after the Congress assumed power in the state, independent members pledged their support to the Congress after meeting district in-charge minister MB Patil.

The election date was set by the Regional Commissioner, but BJP leaders requested a postponement due to the recent demise of BJP corporator Vijayakumar. However, the Regional Commission proceeded with the election as planned.

In response to the continuation of the election, 18 BJP members, comprising 16 corporators and two legislators, staged a walkout during the election meeting. BJP MLA Basangouda Patil Yatnal accused officials of following the instructions of Minister MB Patil and declared the election invalid. He vowed to challenge the decision legally.

In the subsequent election, independent, JD(S), and AIMIM corporators, along with Congress legislators, supported the Congress candidate. As a result Mahejabin Horti secured victory with 22 votes, while Dinesh Halli was declared Deputy Mayor unopposed.