NewsKarnataka-Moodbidri

Moodbidri : The results of the bye-elections to the Mariyadi Ist ward of the Moodbidri TMC held on March 2 has been declared and Rajesh Kotekar of the Congress has won by a margin of 156 votes. The seat had fallen vacant following the demise of the erstwhile councillor Shivaraj Rai.

The counting of votes was held  at the TMC  office at 8 am on March 5, Wednesday and the results were out within half an hour. Rajesh Kotekar, the new councillor has won in his first elections and secured 425 votes against his nearest rival Manjunath Rai of the BJP who secured 269 votes. Surendra Shetty who had contested from JDS) had to be satisfied with a mere 47 votes.

A total of 741 voters including 388 women and 353 men had exercised their franchise.

Speaking to reporters, a jubilant Rajesh Kotekar said he would  strive sincerely to carry on the good works done by his predecessor. He also was thankful to all party workers who worked for his success.

Local MLA and state minister Abhayachandra Jain who too arrived, congratulated the newly elected councillor. Speaking to reporters, Jain said the people who appreciated the welfare works done by the previous member Shivarj Rai, has once again supported the Congress and added the win has  boosted the morale of the party men to work with much more vigour for the Lok Sabha elections.

Meghanath Shetty, Block Congress President,  Ratnaker Devadiga, former TMC chief,  Supriya D Shetty, Anil Lobo, Councillors and others were present.

A victory march was also taken out from the TMC office upto Moodbidri bus stand. The part men  celebrated the victory by  bursting fire crackers.