BJP sweeps mayoral poll in Jaipur, Jodhpur, Kota
The ruling BJP won the mayoral elections in the municipal corporations of Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Kota on Friday, while its candidate claimed victory in the chairperson election in Suket Municipality by a narrow margin of just one vote.
Sunil Kothari was elected as mayor of Jaipur, Prasannachand Mehta of Jodhpur, and Anusuiya Goswami of Kota.
In Jaipur, Kothari defeated Congress candidate Sunita Mawar by 29 votes, securing 89 votes against Mawar’s 60, with the support of 11 Independent councilors. After his victory, Kothari emphasised that his priorities would be improving the quality of life for Jaipur residents and enhancing cleanliness in the city.
“The councillors have supported me with a large number of votes. We will work together with all 150 councillors for the development of Jaipur,” he said.
He also noted that a strong opposition would contribute to the city’s progress.
“There may be ideological differences, but everyone wants Jaipur’s development. We will all move forward together,” he said, adding that efforts would also be made to preserve the historic character of the Walled City.
In Jodhpur, BJP’s Prasannachand Mehta was elected mayor and stated that improving the city’s roads would be his top priority, especially with Diwali approaching.
In Kota, Anusuiya Goswami was elected mayor. She announced that her office would be easily accessible to party workers and the public. “No worker or member of the public will need any slip to enter my office. People can approach me directly with their problems,” she said after her victory.
The BJP also won the chairperson’s post in Suket Municipality in Kota district in a close contest.
BJP candidate Jitendra Chopda received 13 votes, while Congress candidate Umarddin Khan received 12, resulting in victory by just one vote. All 25 councillors cast their votes, with none being rejected.
In Jaipur, a controversy erupted during polling after Congress MLA Rafiq Khan was allegedly denied entry into the municipal corporation premises.
Khan, along with Kishanpole MLA Amin Kagzi and Congress city president Sunil Sharma, staged a sit-in protest. Congress leaders alleged that party councilors were being obstructed from casting their votes. The protest ended after discussions with officials.
The elections in Jaipur, Jodhpur and Kota municipal corporations and Suket Municipality were held separately after repolling was conducted in some wards following technical problems with EVMs during the urban local body elections.
