Tensions are running high at the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) as the council readies to vote on a no-confidence motion against YSRCP Mayor G Hari Venkata Kumari on Saturday. With political maneuvering in full swing, the stage is set for a decisive showdown that could reshape power equations in the region.
Political Tug of War: TDP vs YSRCP
The opposition National Democratic Alliance (NDA)—comprising Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Jana Sena Party (JSP), and BJP—appears to be in a strong position, needing 74 votes out of 98 to oust the Mayor. With recent defections and shifting alliances, the NDA claims to have garnered 76 votes, surpassing the required threshold.
To counter defections, both camps reportedly engaged in political “quarantine” tactics. While TDP flew its corporators to Malaysia, the YSRCP sent theirs to Sri Lanka—both aiming to safeguard their support base ahead of the crucial vote.
Boycott Call from YSRCP
YSR Congress Party, under the leadership of District President Gudivada Amarnath, has decided to boycott the meeting entirely. A party whip has been issued, warning of disciplinary action against any corporator who defies the directive.
Council Math Breakdown:
- Total Wards: 98 (97 corporators + 14 ex officio members)
- TDP: 48 corporators
- JSP: 11 corporators
- BJP: 2 corporators
- Ex officio with NDA: 11 + 1 (Behara Bhaskar Rao)
- YSRCP: 34 corporators + 3 ex officio
- Others (CPI/CPI(M)): 2 (Boycotting)
Recent Changes:
- 3 YSRCP corporators joined JSP
- Ward 6 YSRCP corporator Muttamsetti Priyanka resigned, status uncertain
What’s at Stake
The outcome of today’s vote will not only determine the future of Mayor G Hari Venkata Kumari but will also signal the public mood ahead of the Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections. The GVMC has become a symbolic battleground for the NDA and YSRCP to flex their political muscles.