Mangaluru: The 17th Mayoral election process began at the Mangala Sabhangana, MCC here on March 12. As the mayor’s seat was reserved for a woman from the general category, Jacintha Vijay Alfred was elected as the new Mayor and Purushotham Chitrapura as the deputy Mayor of the Mangalore City Corporation.
Pattan Shetty, Regional Commissioner IAS Mysore District, conducted the election process. MCC Commissioner Hephsiba Rani and other officers monitored the elections.
There were three nominations from two candidates for the Mayor’s post. Roopa D Bangera filed a nomination while Jacintha Alfred filed two. 20 members cast their votes in favour of Roopa D Bangera, 38 members voted against her, while 5 members (Revati, Dayananda, Ayaz, Rameeza Banu and Abdul Aziz) abstained from casting votes. Jacintha Alfred was elected as the Mayor with 38 votes against 20.
For the election process for the deputy mayor, Rajesh from the opposition filed his nomination and received 19 votes. Congress candidate Purushotham secured 38 votes and was elected as the deputy mayor.
MLA J R Lobo congratulating the Mayor Jacintha and the Deputy Mayor Purushotham said that there are many development works to be done, the newly elected mayor and the deputy will take all the council members into confidence and complete the pending work.
MLC Ivan D’Souza congratulated the Mayor and the Deputy Mayor and said that many development projects are pending, “I hope Jacintha wins the confidence of all the council members and continues her good work bringing name and fame for the Mangaluru city corporation.”
Opposition member Premanand Shetty congratulating the Mayor and the Deputy Mayor said that, former Mayor Mahabala Marla worked hard for the development of the city, but some projects are pending. “The present Mayor should carry out the pending work.” He also assured his support and the support of the opposition members for the development work of the city.
Jacintha Alfred speaking on the occasion, thanked, Late Blasius D’Souza for encouraging her to join politics. She thanked the District Minister in-charge Ramanath Rai for giving her an opportunity to be a Mayor and also MLA J R Lobo, MLA Moideen Bava and MLC Ivan D’Souza for their constant support.
She further said, “My main aim is to work for the total development of the city, such as to solve the drinking water problem, road development work, proper drainage system, keeping the city clean and make the documentation process easy for building houses. I will serve the people of Mangaluru with transparency with the support of all the council members. If there are any problems in any wards, I will support the council member of the respective ward to get the work done.” She also urged the council members to support her by keeping politics away and working unitedly for the total development of Mangaluru. She also assured to complete the work of Town hall as soon as possible.
Jacintha Alfred is a BSW graduate from Roshni Nilaya batch of 1992-93. She is married to Alfred and blessed with a daughter Vijetha, who is studying in 10th standard.
The new Deputy Mayor Purushotham Chithrapura (a BA Graduate) said, “With great difficulty, I have come up in life. I am from a poor family, I continued my studies in an evening college and graduated in the BA stream while working during the day. I will work in the footsteps of the former Mayor Mahabala Marla and complete all the work that is pending along with the Mayor and the support of all the council members.” Purushotham also thanked Ramanath Rai, MLA J R Lobo, MLA Moideen Bava and MLC Ivan D’Souza for their support.
Former Mayor Mahabala Marla and Chairman MUDA Ibrahim Kodijal also spoke on the occasion.
Our ealier report on the day:
Mangaluru: Mayoral Polls – Choice of Jacintha Alfred and Purushottam Chitrapura Almost Final
