Close on the heels of government announced the reservation for mayoral seats, the political activities have grown to have the seat. Aspirants using their lobbies, however, the posts goes to those whom Belagavi South BJP MLA Abhay Patil select.

BJP has a solid majority of 35 seats of 58-member corporation, out of which Belagavi South Assembly Constituency has share of 25 seats.

Sources said Vaani, wife of senior Kannada journalist Vilas Joshi representing a ward from Belagavi South will be the first mayor of this body while a woman from Belagavi North will be her deputy. The mayor post has been reserved for woman while deputy mayor post for woman from backward class B.

Savita Patil and Sarika Patil are also in the race. MLA Patil will be the ‘King Maker’. The mayoral polls will be held in first half of February.