For the second time in a row, Indian-origin millionaire Intaj Khan has won the local council elections fromthe Wyndham suburb ofAustralia's Victoria state.
Khan, from the Labour Party,will now serve for another four yearsas a councillorfollowinghis successful election from theHarrison Ward of the suburb.
Wyndham citycouncil this year recordedthe highest number of nominees, awhopping 95 candidates whichincludedover a dozen candidatesof Indian background.
Across the state, over2,100candidates hadfiled their nominations forthis year's elections for over 600 councillor vacancies across 78 councils.
Expressing delight at his win,the 44-year-old Khan said, "I feel privileged as I can serve my community as well as my council for another term. However, it is also a bit disappointing to see that no other Indian origin candidates were elected across the statein this year's election."
In thelast elections, Wyndham city councilhadtwo Indian origincouncillors,Gautam Gupta and Khan.
Khan said for himit was important to win as it highlighted the diversity in hiscouncil which had the largest Indian population.
He admittedthat in order to make sure his re-electionhe had spent over 100,000 dollars on hiscampaign.
Khan,also dubbed as the richest councillor in the west Melbourne, has been surrounded by several controversies like his repeated failure to declare property and commercial interests.
Khan arrived in Australia in 1998 and hasaccumulated wealth to the tune of 70 million dollars largelycomingfrom real estateacrossMelbourne anda private training college.
The Labour Party councillor said that he was eyeingto contest aparliamentary seat in near future but only after consulting party and hiscommunity.
"I would consult with the community on representing atthe state or federal level but right now I don't have any immediate plans," Khan said.
He said despite negative campaign against him, the Indian and South Asiancommunity supported him which made hisre-electionpossible thisyear.
Over 40 candidates of Indian background contested the local council elections this year across Victoria.
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