Corporators intensify efforts to bag mayor’s seat

Vijayawada: With the post of mayor in Vijayawada is reserved for a woman from the General category, newly-elected YSRC women corporators and their families are busy meeting key party leaders, seeking a shot at the coveted seat.
Three candidates were initially in the race before results were declared on March 14.
Andhra Pradesh State Fibernet Limited (APSFL) chairman P Gowtham Reddy’s daughter P Likitha Reddy was a contender for the post but was defeated in the election.Karimunnesa, who sought the post under the minority quota, was elected as MLC and is out of the race, leaving Bandi Punyaseela, who was earlier YSRC floor leader in Vijaywada Municipal Corporation (VMC), as the only candidate.
Avuthu Sailaja Reddy, Chaitanya Reddy and others who won polls with a significant majority have stepped up efforts to convince the party high command but party sources said a BC woman would be given the chance to be mayor in view of social equations.
Meanwhile, the government’s decision to appoint two deputy mayors for the city has raised hopes among YSRC corporators in the race to become deputy mayor. YSRC leaders said social equations would be followed in the appointment of deputy mayors.