Mayor’s post goes to BJP after contender withdraws nomination

…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…

…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…