Jaipur: With nominations for the Jaipur Municipal Corporation mayoral election filed Saturday, attention has now shifted to the deputy mayor’s post and the caste equations likely to shape BJP’s choice.BJP has fielded Vaishya leader Sunil Kothari for mayor, while Congress has named Sunita Mahawar. BJP has not announced its deputy mayor candidate yet.Within BJP, leaders from the Mali, Rajput and OBC communities are being considered for the post as the party weighs social representation after selecting a Vaishya candidate for mayor.The Jaipur district Mali Saini community has demanded the deputy mayor’s post for one of the elected Mali councillors, citing a population of over five lakh across Jaipur assembly constituencies and long-standing support for BJP.The community has alleged that it received fewer civic poll tickets than warranted by its numbers. It said its representation had declined since the tenure of leaders such as the late Madan Lal Saini, Prabhulal Saini and Rajendra Gehlot. It has warned that if no elected Mali councillor gets either of the top two posts, it may reconsider support for BJP in the next assembly election.The Rajput community has also sought the deputy mayor’s post, with its representatives demanding a Rajput candidate and questioning whether BJP will give the community even one of the two top civic positions. The community organisation has also reiterated its position on the UGC issue.OBC leaders are also pressing their claim, making BJP’s final decision crucial for perceived social balance in the new civic body.
