Retired IPS Officer Seeks Congress Support For Vijayawada Mayoral Bid
Venkateswara Rao described the support extended by political parties and people’s organisations urging him to contest as a privilege and an honour: Reports
VIJAYAWADA: Retired IPS officer A.B. Venkateswara Rao has sought the Congress’s support for his candidature for the post of Vijayawada mayor in the forthcoming municipal elections.
In a letter to Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Y.S. Sharmila Reddy on Saturday, Venkateswara Rao said the CPI(M), CPI and several people’s organisations had urged him to contest the mayoral election as an independent candidate.
Explaining his decision, he alleged that the Telugu Desam, Jana Sena and YSRC had joined hands with what he termed fascist forces, endangering the democratic, secular and constitutional fabric of society. He said he considered it his civic duty to oppose such forces and offer an alternative political platform, political culture and constitutional morality.
Venkateswara Rao described the support extended by political parties and people’s organisations urging him to contest as a privilege and an honour.
He appealed to Sharmila Reddy to support his candidature, describing the Congress as the lead party in the I.N.D.I.A alliance. He also urged Congress cadres to campaign for him and vote in his favour.
Responding to the request, Sharmila Reddy said the party would examine the matter and announce its decision.
