Kurnool, Kadapa Mayoral And Nandyal Municipal Battles Turn Crucial
With ministers and senior opposition leaders involved, the three civic contests have assumed political importance: Reports
KURNOOL: The municipal elections in Rayalaseema are a high-stakes political battle. Their outcome is likely to influence the political fortunes of prominent leaders in the ruling and opposition camps. In particular, Kurnool and Kadapa mayoral, along with Nandyal municipality polls, have become major talking points across Andhra Pradesh.
In Kurnool, where the mayor’s post is reserved for an SC woman, Industries minister T.G. Bharath is facing a crucial test. He represents the Kurnool assembly constituency and is leaving no stone unturned to ensure the victory for the ruling Telugu Desam Party. There are 68 wards in the municipal corporation. Retaining control over the civic body is a prestigious issue for the TDP.
Coming to YSRC, former MLAs S.V. Mohan Reddy and Katasani Rambhupal Reddy are making determined efforts to secure the mayor’s post for the YSR Congress. Their success would affect Bharath’s political standing.
Nandyal municipality, with 52 wards, is witnessing an equally intense battle. The chairperson’s post is reserved for a BC woman. Law and Minorities Welfare minister N.M.D. Farooq is
facing a tough challenge from YSR Congress leader Shilpa Ravichandra Kishore Reddy mounting a strong campaign. The contest is turning out to be a closely fought battle, testing Farooq’s political influence.
Kadapa has emerged as another crucial battleground amid tensions surrounding the nomination process. Of the 66 wards in the municipal corporation, YSR Congress candidates have filed nominations in only 16, raising questions about the party’s electoral prospects.
Kadapa MLA R. Madhavi Reddy, who serves as a government whip, is a key player on behalf of the TDP. The constituency had earlier been represented by Sheikh Amjad Basha, who served as a Deputy Chief Minister in the previous YSR Congress government.
P. Ravindranath Reddy, maternal uncle of YSR Congress president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, is leading the opposition party’s campaign. YSRC has been complaining that its candidates have been obstructed from filing their nominations.
With ministers and senior opposition leaders involved, the three civic contests have assumed political importance. A setback for the ruling party could affect the standing of its key leaders, while a strong Opposition performance could reshape local political equations.
