Despite having 42 councillors in Bikaner Municipal Corporation, the mayor's election has become interesting. A rebel Congress councillor has filed a nomination against the official candidate, making the contest triangular.
This situation has also opened doors of opportunity for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which may now try to take advantage of Congress's internal discord.
In the 80-member Bikaner Municipal Corporation, Congress has a clear majority with 42 councillors. The party has nominated Anil Kalla, elected from Ward 73, as its official mayoral candidate. Anil Kalla is the nephew of former minister Dr. B.D. Kalla.
However, questions were raised about Congress's unity when Navratan Daga, who won from Ward 50, also filed his nomination as an independent. This move is being seen as a sign of discontent within the party and a claim for the mayor's post.
In the corporation, Congress has 42 councillors, BJP has 27, there are 10 independents, and one from RLP. Numerically, Congress's victory was considered certain, but the equations have now changed.
The BJP has fielded Dr. Surendra Singh Shekhawat as its candidate. Now, BJP's strategy depends on splitting the Congress votes and winning over the independents and other councillors. If the Congress votes are divided, the election result could be anything.
According to the election process, the scrutiny of nomination papers will take place on September 17, and September 18 is the last date for withdrawal of nominations. Voting will be held on September 21.
All eyes are now on September 18, when it will become clear whether Navratan Daga withdraws his nomination or not. If he remains in the fray, the contest will remain triangular, and keeping its councillors united will be the biggest challenge for Congress.
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