Karkala; August 25: Who do not want power? Everybody wants power. In politics everybody is yearning for power along with social service. But government’s announcement of reservation of women’s names for the post of vice president posts in Karkala Town municipality elections send shock waves for the congress aspirants who won on congress ticket.
The serious confrontation that occurred during Karkala Town Municipality elections on March 7, 2013, has resulted in the Congress leading by one seat.
Out of 23 wards in the town of Karkala, the Congress has 12 councilors and the BJP has 11 and thereby congress won just by one seat. But this year’s announcement of women name in the fray for the post vice president in town municipality send wrong signal to the aspirants.
There is a lack of enthusiasm with regard to the post of vice-president than that of the president in Congress. The backward class woman elected from Market Road ward, Shashikala, belongs to the BJP. Therefore, the post is sure to go to the BJP causing the party to rejoice.
Priya Ajri, elected from ward No 11 comprising of Ananthashayana College; Nalini Achar, elected from ward No 17 consisting of Gandhi Maidan Havaldar Bettu; Shanti Shetty from ward No 22 forming Kabettu Rotary, and Rehmat from ward No 23 covering Kabettu–Cholpady have become aspirants for the president’s post after the announcement of reservation.
Rehmat, who has been elected thrice, is leading among those whose names are heard often in this regard. Nalini Achar, who has been elected twice, was once vice-president in the municipality. Being the president of Congress women’s wing in Karkala is a plus but her occupation as a teacher may prove to be a setback.
Though Ajri has been elected for the first time, the fact that she belongs to the Jain community is important. As Karkala ‘Mahamastakabhisheka’ is scheduled for next year, the Jain community is urging her election as president. The name of Shanti Shetty can also be heard.
As the position of president was so far not occupied by the minority community, there is a strong support for Rehmat and Ajri.
The decision of the party will be final said H Gopala Bhandary. “We have had no discussions on vice-president’s post. The decision of the party will be final. Leaders of the party and councilors will meet to arrive at a unanimous decision. There is no confusion in this regard,” he added.
