After four decades of wait, TDP wins Mayor seat in direct polls

Visakhapatnam: A political dream that remained elusive for nearly four decades has finally come true for the Telugu Desam Party in Visakhapatnam.

The party, which once created history with a landslide victory in the direct mayoral elections held in 1987, has now regained the coveted Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) Mayor’s seat, bringing renewed celebrations and political enthusiasm among its ranks.

The history of the GVMC mayoral post reflects Visakhapatnam’s shifting political fortunes. Established in 1980 with 50 wards, the corporation saw NSN Reddy of the Bharatiya Janata Party become its first Mayor. However, it was in 1987 that the TDP made its mark in the city’s municipal politics.

Back then, the late DV Subbarao, a prominent advocate who contested on behalf of the TDP, won the direct mayoral election with a resounding mandate. His victory became a defining moment in the party’s political history in Visakhapatnam, which has traditionally been considered a TDP stronghold.

Yet, despite its continued influence in the urban space, the Mayoral seat remained beyond the party’s reach for the next four decades. In the four mayoral elections held since 1987, the post was nominated twice through direct elections and twice through the nomination process. The Congress secured the mayor position three consecutive times, while the YSRCP won once, leaving the TDP waiting for another opportunity.

In the meantime, the political landscape witnessed a major transformation following the coalition government’s formation in 2024. Several corporators from the YSRCP shifted their allegiance to the TDP and Jana Sena Party, which shifted the balance of power in the corporation.

In 2024, when the coalition came to power, Peela Srinivasa Rao was nominated as Mayor, paving the way for the alliance to reclaim the coveted position. He took the reins of Mayorship from YSRCP Mayor Golagani Hari Venkata Kumari in April 2025 when she was ousted from the GVMC after the NDA won a no-confidence motion passed against her.

The development brought immense satisfaction to TDP and alliance leaders, who view the latest achievement as the fulfillment of a long-cherished political ambition. The prospect of contesting and winning the Mayoral election directly, after the historic victory of 1987, has once again added special significance to the TDP’s kitty.

For the TDP, the return to the Mayor’s office is more than just a political victory. It marks the revival of a legacy, the culmination of a four-decade-long wait and a renewed assertion of its political strength in Visakhapatnam.

As celebrations continue among party leaders and workers, the achievement is considered an important chapter in the port city’s political journey.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Vasu Potnuru

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Potnuru Srinivasa Rao (Vasu Potnuru) is an experienced journalist specialised in politics, sports, crime, general topics and tribal stories. With 18 years of writing and reporting expertise, he contributes to The Hans India's editorial department as Principal Correspondent based in Visakhapatnam. Vasu Potnuru completed his Bachelor of Business Management. Earlier, he worked as a staff reporter in a leading Telugu vernacular. During free time, the journalist spends time listening to music, playing cricket and shuttle badminton. Vasu Potnuru, an accomplished writer, honed his expertise in various genres such as politics, crime, sports and general topics. He received an award from the HYBIZ Media Awards for the Best Rural Story in both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Also, he bagged the Best Crime Reporter Award in Visakhapatnam. He serves in different unions of working journalists and contributes to service activities.

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