Civic polls: VMC mayor post to see stiff contest

VIJAYAWADA: As political parties get busy campaigning for the upcoming municipal elections, a few candidates have started promoting themselves for the mayor post of the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation. Competition for the mayor post may seem stiff, especially in YSRC, where aspirants have reportedly started lobbying with the high command.
Winning the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) is a prestige issue for both YSRC and TDP.While YSRC is regarding this election as a referendum on the three-capital proposal, TDP wants to prove that people favour Amaravati. The city’s mayor post is reserved for general category women this time.
YSRC is yet to announce its mayor candidate. AP Fibernet chairman P Gowtham Reddy’s daughter Likitha Reddy is being projected as a strong contender for the post of mayor. Former YSRC floor leader Bandi Punyaseela is also reported to be eyeing the mayor seat.
Meanwhile, TDP has already confirmed the candidature of MP Kesineni Srinivas Nani’s daughter Kesineni Swetha for the mayor post and has started campaigning for her across the city.