Uncertainty continues over Karimnagar Mayor post amid shifting political equations

Uncertainty continues over the Karimnagar Municipal Corporation Mayor’s post as political parties scramble for support. While the BJP is close to the majority mark, Congress, BRS, MIM and Independents are exploring a possible alliance to stake claim.

Karimnagar: Though the BJP managed to come close to capturing the Karimnagar Municipal Corporation, uncertainty continues over the Mayor’s post, with opposition parties attempting to prevent the saffron party from securing the position.

Out of 66 divisions, the BJP won 30, followed by Congress 14, BRS 9, Independents 10 and MIM 3. The party requires 34 corporators to secure the Mayor’s post.

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After the results were announced, two corporators, including an All India Forward Bloc member and an Independent, joined the BJP. Two more Independents, Masam Ganesh and Vemula Kavitha, also joined the BJP in the presence of Union Minister of State for Home Bandi Sanjay Kumar on Saturday night.

With these developments, the BJP’s strength rose to 34. It was possible to cross the magic figure with Karimnagar MP Sanjay Kumar’s ex-officio vote.

However, new political equations have emerged with the involvement of a Minister from the erstwhile Karimnagar district.

Political circles are abuzz with speculation that Congress is likely to secure the Mayor’s post with the support of BRS, MIM and Independents.

At present, a total of 23 corporators, including Congress 14, MIM 3, AIFB 1 and five Independents, are in the Congress camp. Their strength would increase to 32 if nine BRS corporators were added. The ruling party is reportedly trying to win over the remaining Independents.

Rumours are also circulating that 11 BRS leaders who had left the party and joined the BJP were elected as corporators on BJP tickets. Efforts are reportedly underway to win over some of them.

Reacting to the issue in Vemulawada on Sunday, Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar said the BJP had not secured a clear majority in Karimnagar.

The total strength in Karimnagar is 69, including 66 corporators, one MP, one local MLA and the Manakondur MLA. Out of 69, the BJP secured only 30 divisions. “How can Sanjay Kumar announce that they would capture the Mayor?” he asked.

Like the BJP, other political parties would also have their own strategies. Stating that the Chief Minister and Ministers would not involve themselves in the issue, he said they would act according to the opinions of local public representatives.

Democratically elected public representatives would elect the Mayor. But it was not proper on the part of the BJP to make a statement that the Chief Minister and Ministers would not be allowed to move, he said.