Tony Chamminy was elected as the Kochi Mayor on Tuesday. Mr. Chamminy, who polled 48 votes, defeated K.J. Jacob, the LDF candidate, who got 24 votes. The Mayor election was a formality as the UDF had absolute majority in the council and the Congress alone had simple majority in the 74-mermber council.
Later, Dr. M. Beena, the district collector, administered the oath of office to Mr. Chamminy.
In his opening address in the council hall, Mr. Chamminy sought the support of all sections of the society and fellow councillors to take forward the development agenda of the city. People have reposed faith in the civic representatives. The councillors should be able to rise above political considerations to fulfil the dreams of the people. The council administration will become operational after the formation of various standing committees and the election of its chairpersons. The council will lay emphasis on the development needs of the city, the Mayor said.
Efforts would be taken for implementing the development dreams of people and accountability and transparency will be ensured in the civic administration, he said.
Later, Congress councillors and party leaders led him to the Mayor’s chamber where he assumed the office.
There was no upsets or cross voting in the Mayor election. While the two Congress rebel councillors voted for Mr. Chamminy, the two members of the BJP abstained from voting. The LDF councillors all voted for their candidate Mr. Jacob.
It was the Muslim League Councillor T.K. Ashraf who proposed the name of Mr. Chamminy. Lisy Joseph seconded him. The CPI (M) councillor K.V. Manoj proposed the name of Mr. Jacob and Shakir, another CPI (M) representative, seconded him.
