Bhagyalakshmi Is Vijayawada’s New Mayor

Rayana Bhagyalakshmi was unanimously elected the mayor of Vijayawada Municipal Corporation. The corporator of the 46^th ward in the city took oath a few hours ago. In the 64 divisions of Vijayawada Corporation, the YCP secured 49 divisions and TDP 14. All the elected councillors also took oath of office.

The YCP got absolute majority in the municipal corporation polls  held on March 10th. With the ruling YCP finalising the name of Lakshmi, party leader Bandi Punyaseela, a strong contender for the post, expressed anguish over her services not being recognised.

The sudden change in the YCP’s decision was due to the party leadership announcing that 50 per cent quota would be given to BC, SC, ST and minority candidates in the election of mayors, deputy mayors, chairmen and vice-chairmen of municipalities.

Learning about Punyaseela’s anguish, minister Vellampalli Srinivas reached her house and tried to pacify her. He reportedly told Punyaseela that the party leadership wantedly gave the mayor post to a BC candidate. Punyaseela lamented that she was ignored even while she worked for the development of the YCP when all others deserted it and switched sides to the TDP.

Pagidipati Chaitanya Reddy, who also pinned hopes on the Mayor post, lamented that the party had done injustice to him.

Bellam Durga, corporator of 15^th division, was elected as the deputy mayor of Vijayawada. The YCP preferred women for both the mayor and deputy mayor posts in Vijayawada.