Mayor’s post goes to BJP after contender ‘persuaded’ to quit race

In a remarkable twist within local politics, Anuradha Singh of the BJP has ascended to the position of mayor for the Bharatpur Municipal Corporation

By: Rajendra Prasad SharmaALWAR: In an unexpected turn of events, BJP’s Anuradha Singh was declared the new mayor of Bharatpur Municipal Corporation Friday after independent candidate Vichitra Singh withdrew her nomination at the last moment.

The withdrawal, however, followed earlier allegations from Vichitra’s family that the BJP govt was exerting pressure on her to step down from the mayoral race.Minister of State for Home, Jawahar Singh Bedham, was present at the corporation’s offices during the withdrawal of nomination.His visit there followed a meeting with Vichitra’s husband Shiv Singh Bhont at a city hotel owned by the latter, which is learnt to have involved discussions that led to the eventual withdrawal of nomination.‘Withdrawal of nomination in best interest of Bharatpur’Bhont happens to be a former chairperson of the erstwhile Bharatpur Municipal Council, as well as an ex-mayor.Addressing the media, Bedham portrayed the circumstances surrounding Vichitra’s decision to withdraw as a collaborative decision, rather than one made under duress.“My old friend Bhont and I had political discussions, and it was under this camaraderie and recognition of the larger developmental goals for Bharatpur that Vichitra chose to withdraw her candidacy,” Bedham said.

He denied earlier claims by Vichitra’s family regarding govt pressure, emphasising that the govt’s focus was on the city’s progress through what he termed a “triple-engine govt”. Bedham expressed confidence that unity among all stakeholders, including Bhont’s family, would foster substantial advancements in Bharatpur’s infrastructure and development.Endorsing the minister’s sentiments, former mayor Bhont affirmed his support for CM Bhajan Lal Sharma’s initiatives and expressed gratitude for the govt’s focus on the region’s development.“Under the guidance of minister Bedham, my wife decided that it was in the best interest of the city to withdraw her nomination and allow for continued growth,” he said.The unopposed election of Anuradha Singh as mayor helps BJP retain its grip on Bharatpur Municipal Corporation, where it has 20 councillors against Congress’s seven, while there are 36 independents.With reports suggesting that most independent councillors are likely to support BJP, the ruling party is expected to form the governing board in the 65-member corporation that also has one councillor each from BSP and RLP.