Hyderabad: The BJP secured the Karimnagar Mayor post on Monday, ending four days of political suspense after the BRS announced it would stay away from the election.
In the 66-member Karimnagar Municipal Corporation, the BJP had won 30 corporator seats and remained in the race from the beginning. However, tension escalated after Minister Ponnam Prabhakar claimed that Congress was also in contention. Since Congress lacked sufficient strength even with support from MIM and Independents, it depended on BRS backing.
At the last minute, the BRS declared that it would abstain from the Mayor election. As a result, the path cleared for the BJP candidate.
Karimnagar Mayor elected with 34 votes
The corporation has a total of 69 votes, including ex-officio members. BJP candidate Kolagani Srinivas secured 34 votes and won the Karimnagar Mayor post. Meanwhile, Sunil Rao won the Deputy Mayor position.
With this victory, the BJP strengthened its hold over the civic body. The outcome also fulfilled the objective set by Union Minister Bandi Sanjay, as the party hoisted its flag over the Karimnagar Corporation.