Andhra Pradesh: Choosing Mayor For Chittoor Municipality Turns Sensitive For TD Leadership
This has prompted a clutch of party leaders to intensify their lobbying for the Chittoor mayor's post: Reports
TIRUPATI: Ruling Telugu Desam leadership is facing a delicate task in choosing its candidate for the Chittoor mayor's post, as several senior party leaders, former legislators, and party loyalists are lobbying for the coveted seat ahead of the anticipated local body elections.
The race gathered momentum after TD national president and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu recently declared that the local body elections would be held after the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls is completed. The AP CM asked party leaders and cadres to prepare for the local body polls.
This has prompted a clutch of party leaders to intensify their lobbying for the Chittoor mayor's post.
According to party sources, the TD leadership has begun internal consultations ahead of selecting the party’s mayoral candidate. The candidates’ political commitment, community, seniority, and NDA alliance considerations are expected to influence the final decision. A central TD committee recently interacted with leaders of Chittoor to assess the prospects of various aspirants.
The family of former MLA C.K. Babu is seeking the mayor's post as part of its political rehabilitation. Party sources said the family has highlighted C.K. Babu's role in ensuring the victory of Chittoor MLA Gurajala Jaganmohan during the 2024 elections. The family is lobbying with TD national working president Nara Lokesh for securing the party nomination for the post.
Former corporator Cherukuri Vasanth Kumar has entered the race after missing out on the CHUDA chairperson's seat. His supporters assert that during the 2014–19 period, a precedent had been set that the MLA and mayor would belong to the same community. Further, Vasanth Kumar enjoys the support of senior party leaders.
Kajuru Balaji, who had sought the Chittoor Assembly ticket in 2024, is also in the race.
Balija community has emerged as a key factor in the party's calculations. Former MLA A.S. Manohar is lobbying for making his son the Chittoor mayor. Manohar’s supporters contend that the mayor's post should go to a Balija leader, as the sitting MLA belongs to the Kamma community.
Former mayor and CHUDA chairperson Katari Hemalatha is also a strong contender. Her administrative experience and support within sections of the party are being cited in favour of her choice.
Alliance partner Jana Sena has staked its claim for Chittoor’s mayor’s post. D.K. Chaitanya, granddaughter of former minister D.K. Adikesavulu Naidu, is learnt to have sought the post from the JS leadership after missing out on the 2024 assembly ticket and nominated posts. Jana Sena sources said Chaitanya is hoping the mayor's post will be allotted to Jana Sena.
Amid the jockeying for the post, MLA Gurajala Jaganmohan is learnt to have kept himself away from the lobbying. He has reportedly conveyed to the ruling Telugu Desam leadership that he would abide by the high command's decision on whoever the candidate may be. Party sources say the MLA is, however, keen to have his say before the final decision is taken.