Decks cleared for Mayor bypoll

Chittoor: Decks have been cleared for the bypoll of Chittoor Mayor’s post following the report sent by Chittoor Municipal Commissioner to the Director of Municipal Administration in this regard.

Minister for Municipal Administration P Narayana declared the government’s decision to hold the election for Chittoor Mayor’s post which is reserved for BC woman. Bypoll for two divisions in the Chittoor Municipal Corporation would also be conducted, along with Mayor’s post. Out of 48 corporators, the TDP has 36 and the winning is a cakewalk for the TDP nominee.

Deputy Mayor P Subramanyam is holding the additional charge as Chittoor Mayor for the past 11 months. Hemalatha, daughter-in-law of the then Chittoor Mayor K Anuradha, is said to be the probable candidate for Chittoor Mayor’s post. Her husband Praveen (son of Anuradha) had accused of acting as defacto Chittoor Mayor when his mother was alive.

The district TDP is now in a dilemma over the prevailing competition among the aspirants in the party. Meanwhile, sources revealed that C K Lavanya, wife of C K Babu, former MLA of Chittoor, who represents YSRCP at present is said to be interested to join TDP, along with her supporters for capturing Chittoor Mayor’s post. It may be recalled that Lavanya made a bid in the last municipal polls to become Chittoor Mayor, but in vain.

Speaking to The Hans India, district TDP president G Srinivasulu said that party aspirants are staking claim for Chittoor Mayor’s post, but Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu will select the candidate. The opinion of the majority of TDP corporators would be ascertained in candidate’s selection. Meanwhile, some BC woman corporators are planning to meet the Chief Minister next week for considering their candidature, according to sources.