TDP race hots up for GVMC Mayor post
Lobbying for the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) Mayor’s post has intensified in the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) with the government firm on holding local body elections by the end of October.
The government is understood to have decided in principle to proceed with the polls despite cases pending in courts. The issue was reportedly discussed ahead of Thursday’s Cabinet meeting.
The reservation of the Mayor’s post remains a key factor. The seat was reserved for BC General in the previous election, and it is yet to be decided whether it will continue under the BC quota or shift to the Open category.
Several TDP leaders are lobbying for the post, including Visakhapatnam parliamentary constituency president Chode Pattabhiram, Raviteja, son of Bheemili MLA Ganta Srinivasa Rao, Maurya Simha, son of West MLA Pethakamsetti Ganababu, Pendurthi TDP in-charge Gandi Babji, Peela Govinda and Pakkurthi Murali, a close relative of TDP state president Palla Srinivasa Rao.
Senior leaders Korada Rajababu and Ommi Sanyasirao, former VMRDA chairperson AkkaramanI Nirmala and former corporator Palla Srinivasa Rao are also reportedly in the race.
If the seat is thrown open, Pattabhiram and Raviteja are among those keen on the ticket. Several BC leaders are also seeking the post. Aspirants have reportedly submitted their biodata to Minister Nara Lokesh, while MLAs are lobbying for their sons.
Gandi Babji recently met Lokesh and sought consideration for his candidature. He is also understood to have proposed his son Vamsi if the party decides to give the younger generation an opportunity.
The Peela family is also seeking another opportunity. Peela Srinivasa Rao, the TDP’s 2021 Mayor candidate, became Mayor after political equations changed but served for only around a year. Peela Govinda is now seeking another chance for the family.
Ganababu is reportedly lobbying with TDP chief N: Chandrababu Naidu and Lokesh for his son Maurya Simha.
The final choice rests with Naidu. Party circles are watching whether he will pick an established contender, opt for a younger face, or choose a relatively neutral candidate.