Salur Leader Marries Partner After ULB Chief Post Reserved For BC Woman
Former Salur councillor Vaikunta Rapu Harshavardhan married his longtime partner after the municipal chairperson’s post was reserved for a BC woman, prompting political speculation.
The announcement of reservations for urban local body elections has triggered political buzz in Salur town of Parvathipuram Manyam district, where a local leader married his longtime partner a day after the reservation notification.
Former Salur councillor and Telugu Desam leader Vaikunta Rapu Harshavardhan had reportedly aspired to contest for the municipal chairperson’s post. However, the reservation roster announced on Monday earmarked the post for a BC woman, ruling him out of the race.
Following the announcement, Harshavardhan married Manjeera, with whom he had been in a relationship, at a local temple on Tuesday after securing his family’s consent.
The marriage has fuelled speculation in local political circles that the reservation outcome prompted the move. Harshavardhan is reportedly exploring the possibility of securing a party nomination for his wife to keep his family in the contest for the chairperson’s post.
The development has drawn attention to the way reservation provisions are influencing political calculations ahead of the municipal elections.