The race for the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) Mayor’s post has gathered momentum following the Andhra Pradesh government’s decision to reserve the position for Women (General) ahead of the upcoming municipal elections.

According to reports, the reservation has prompted political leaders from the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Jana Sena Party (JSP) to begin discussions about potential candidates. Several aspirants are reportedly lobbying their respective party leaderships for the opportunity to contest the mayoral election.

 

The new reservation has also changed the plans of some senior leaders who had reportedly been considering contesting the elections themselves. Instead, some are said to be exploring the possibility of fielding their wives, daughters or other eligible relatives. Former legislators’ families and women with existing political experience are among those reportedly being considered.

The mayoral contest carries added significance because Visakhapatnam is returning to a direct election system, under which voters will choose the Mayor rather than corporators selecting one from among themselves. The change is expected to influence candidate selection and campaigning strategies across the major political parties.

 

While the reservation ensures that the post will be held by a woman from the General category, the final candidates will depend on party decisions and the applicable election rules. The political discussions are continuing as parties prepare for the civic polls.