Jaipur: Congress retained control of Bikaner Municipal Corporation Monday, with Anil Kalla defeating BJP’s Surendra Singh Shekhawat 50-30 in the mayoral election. Kalla secured eight votes more than Congress’s original strength in the 80-member House, indicating support from outside the party.Congress had won 42 wards in the civic polls, against BJP’s 27, independents’ 10 and RLP’s one. With 41 votes needed for a majority, the party faced the prospect of cross-voting amid an internal rebellion.Kalla, nephew of former cabinet minister B D Kalla, faced a challenge from Congress councillor Navratan Daga of Ward 50, who had filed his nomination for mayor. Daga was reportedly backed by around eight councillors, triggering concerns within the party.Senior Congress leaders intervened and persuaded Daga to withdraw his nomination. District president Madan Gopal Meghwal also reached out to independent councillors, while senior leaders in Jaipur were involved in efforts to consolidate support ahead of the poll.The party also faced a separate pressure point involving councillor Maqsood Ahmed of Ward 18, a former UIT chairman. Congress leaders alleged that police action in an old case, including a move to summon Ahmed to a police station a day before the election, was aimed at putting pressure on councillors. Rajasthan High Court subsequently granted Ahmed interim protection from arrest.“The victory reflects the mandate of Bikaner’s people. Congress will work together for development and address the city’s civic problems,” Kalla said.
