Karkala: Announcement of reservations sends aspirants into tizzy

R B Jagadish
Daijiworld Media Network—Karkala (EP)

Karkala, Aug 25: The serious confrontation that occurred during Karkala Town Municipality elections on March 7, 2013, has resulted in the Congress leading by one seat.

Several names of president’s position aspirants could be heard prior to the announcement of reservations. Several men elected from the Congress party winning the elections for second or third time was the reason for such expectations.

The announcement of reservations on Friday August 23was contrary to these beliefs.  The post of president is reserved for general category woman and that of the vice president to the backward class woman as per the notification.

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.    

Who is the President?

Out of 23 wards in the town of Karkala, the Congress has 12 councilors and the BJP has 11.  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.

Priya Ajri, Shanti Shetty


Rahmat, Nalini Achar

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 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.