Political Tensions Escalate In Vizag Ahead Of GVMC No-Trust

Visakhapatnam:A spirited political drama is unfolding here as the GVMC braces for a no-confidence motion against Mayor Golagani Hari Venkata Kumari on Saturday.

The motion is spearheaded by the TD-led alliance. It was in an overdrive since Friday morning, strategising to secure the majority vote needed to oust the mayor.

In a dramatic twist, corporators who defected from the YSRC to the alliance ranks were seen arriving in Vizag from Malaysia late at night. Rumours swirl that alliance leaders were in contact with YSRC corporators, currently in Sri Lanka, encouraging them to switch sides.

The YSRC, however, is not backing down. Issuing a whip, the party is working tirelessly to safeguard its corporators and retain Mayor Hari Venkata Kumari's position.

The stakes are high, with both sides pulling out all the stops to tilt the balance in their favour.

This political turbulence began last month, when coalition corporators submitted a notice of no- confidence against the mayor to district collector Harendheera Prasad. Since then, "camp politics" has taken centre stage, with YSRC corporators distancing themselves from public life and travelling to Bengaluru and Sri Lanka to regroup.

In a significant blow to the YSRC, four of its corporators defected to the alliance within two days, bolstering the latter's chances. However, the alliance still faces an uphill task to secure the required majority. YSRC leader Amarnath has expressed confidence that his party's corporators will not attend the motion, potentially derailing the NDA's plans.

As the tension escalated, over 300 police personnel were deployed to maintain order. Only ex-officio and ward members will be permitted entry into the council hall, with strict instructions for corporators to keep their mobile phones in flight mode and carry proper identification.

All eyes are now on GVMC, as the result of this no-confidence motion could reshape the city's political landscape.