Retired IPS officer AB Venkateswara Rao’s entry turns Vijayawada mayoral poll triangular

Vijayawada: A triangular contest is anticipated in the Vijayawada mayoral election following the entry of retired IPS officer AB Venkateswara Rao as an independent candidate, challenging the nominees of the NDA and YSRCP. All three key candidates filed their nominations on Sunday, setting the stage for an intense political battle for control of the city’s civic administration.Former MLA Vangaveeti Radhakrishna filed his nomination as the Janasena candidate representing the NDA alliance, while former mayor Bhagyalakshmi entered the fray on behalf of YSRCP. Both candidates arrived with large rallies of supporters. Venkateswara Rao’s entry has added a new dimension to the contest, with Congress, CPI and CPM extending their support to his candidature.Speaking to the media after filing his nomination, Radhakrishna said the development of Vijayawada would be his top priority. He identified traffic congestion, road safety and an efficient drainage system as key issues requiring attention.“Law and order will be given the highest priority. I aim to ensure a peaceful Vijayawada while addressing the civic problems faced by its people,” he said.Venkateswara Rao, meanwhile, launched a sharp attack on the city’s civic administration and alleged that corruption had undermined Vijayawada’s development.“Vijayawada has provided shelter to people from across the state. During its evolution into a major city, it witnessed many atrocities. It taught politics and progressiveness to both Telugu states. Visionary leaders such as NTR, KL Rao and Kaleswara Rao emerged from Vijayawada. But today, the city has become a hub of corruption,” he alleged.He accused local corporators, municipal officials and rowdy elements of collecting money from people constructing houses, while alleging that hawkers were being exploited by police personnel, politicians and rowdies. He also lamented that the city’s three canals had deteriorated into drains.Venkateswara Rao alleged that despite people paying taxes, development works were being neglected due to a lack of funds. He argued that mayors belonging to ruling parties had failed to secure adequate funds from their leadership.“I want to repair Vijayawada and establish independent governance in the city. The country is not money; it is people. I thank the Congress, CPM and CPI leadership for supporting me,” he said.You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Vijayawada | Silver Rate in Vijayawada | Bank Holidays in Vijayawada | Public Holidays in Vijayawada | Petrol Price in Vijayawada | Diesel Price in Vijayawada | CNG Price in Vijayawada | LPG Price in VijayawadaStay updated with the latest Vijayawada news. Download the TOI App.