With Deputy Mayor S Harish overstepping a lesser-educated Sharadamma and calling the shots, BJP is planning a special orientation programme to train her appropriately to tackle her responsibilities
With Deputy Mayor S Harish overstepping a lesser-educated Sharadamma and calling the shots, BJP is planning a special orientation programme to train her appropriately to tackle her responsibilitiesu00a0
BJP leaders have advised Deputy Mayor S Harish against overstepping a lesser-educated Mayor Sharadamma, while the party is planning a special orientation programme to train her appropriately to tackle her responsibilities.
Getting there: When Sharadamma was elected as Mayor last month,
doubts were raised over her ability to handle things, considering her
educational qualification, which is just matriculation. File picWhen first-time-councilor Sharadamma was elected as the city Mayor last month, doubts were raised over her ability to handle things, considering her educational qualification, which is just matriculation. Harish, who is an engineering graduate, was a saving grace and took charge of administrative issues.
While the deputy mayor was calling the shots, it was apparent that the mayor looked like a dummy and people took note of the situation. This invited severe criticism against the BJP for having chosen an untrained person for a significant position.
BJP party leaders taking note of the situation, have advised Harish to lay low and allow Sharadamma to act on her own.
To each their own"We noticed the awkwardness of the situation and advised the mayor and the deputy mayor accordingly. A mayor has to be a mayor and a deputy mayor has to function according to his own position," said Subba Narasimha, president of city unit of the BJP.
Harish was instructed not to conduct official meetings without the mayor's consent and knowledge and not to issue orders that are expected to come from the mayor herself.
Getting the hint, Harish has restricted himself to his brief, while enjoying the reduced workload.
"I had not asked for the extra work and the extra authority, which had come along with it. Now I am really relieved and can concentrate on my own work," Harish said.
Long break
However, this has taken a temporary toll on the smooth functioning of the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike, with Sharadamma clueless about many issues.
On Monday for instance, while adjourning the BBMP council meeting for lunch, Mayor Sharadamma announced that the council would be meeting post lunch, but omitted to mention timing. Since the timing for post lunch re-assembly was not formally recorded, the meeting was not conducted. The council did meet yesterday however, to resume discussions.
"We know it was a goof up. Now, we have planned to have a orientation programme specially for her. I think in a month's time, she will be properly trained," said Narasimha.
Spouse grouse
Apart from the deputy mayor overshadowing the mayor, there was criticism over Sharadamma's husband Ramanjiniah interfering with her work, while answering her telephone calls. He has been seen sitting in the antechamber talking to officials while Sharadamma is in office. The party leaders have also warned him against this practice.
"He has never intervened in my work apart from assisting me. I hope the party elders will understand. You must also understand that I am new to the job and need some time to cope up," Sharadamma said.
