Durgamma Bijawad Hubballi-Dharwad mayor, Ratnabai Nazare deputy mayor

As expected, BJP candidates Durgamma Shashikanth Bijawad of ward 69 and Ratnabai Ekanath Nazare of ward 9 were elected as the 25th mayor and deputy mayor, respectively, of Hubballi-Dharwad.

Regional Commissioner K.M. Janaki, who officiated the elections in Hubballi on Saturday (July 4), made the announcement of their election after completing the electoral process. The mayor’s post was reserved for a Scheduled Caste (woman) and deputy mayor’s post for General (woman)

Ms. Bijawad secured 50 votes against her opponent, Congress candidate Kavita Danappa Kabber of ward 20, who secured 35 votes.

In the election to the deputy mayor’s post, Ms. Nazare secured 50 votes against Congress candidate Dilshad Begum Nadaf, 35, and AIMIM candidate Wahida Khanum Allahbaksh Kittur, 3. The councillors exercised their franchise by raising their hands.

In the 82-member municipal council, BJP has 39 seats, Congress 33, AIMIM 3, JD(S) one, and there are six independents. In all, 92 members, including councillors, legislators and MPs, have voting rights for the mayoral election, with 88 casting their votes on Saturday (July 4).

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, Rajya Sabha member M. Nagaraj, legislators Mahesh Tenginakai, Prasad Abbayya, Arvind Bellad, Pradeep Shettar, F.H. Jakkappanavar, and Lingaraj Patil were present.

Additional Regional Commissioner S.S. Biradar and Municipal Commissioner Rudresh Ghali assisted the election officer in the electoral process.

Congratulating the new mayor and deputy mayor, Mr. Joshi asked them to make efforts towards developing Hubballi-Dharwad into a model twin city.

Speaking to press persons, Ms. Bijawad said that she would strive towards developing the twin cities by taking everyone into confidence, and sought the cooperation of all in her endeavours towards the same.