TDP faces internal strife over GVMC Mayor selection

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) is facing internal turmoil over the selection of the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) mayor and deputy mayors. While TDP floor leader Peela Srinivasa Rao’s appointment as mayor proceeded smoothly, the contest for the deputy mayor positions has exposed deep divisions within the party. Nearly a dozen corporators are vying for the posts, leading to intense political manoeuvring and factionalism.
Complicating matters further, the Jana Sena Party (JSP), a key ally of the TDP, is demanding one of the two deputy mayor positions. This has led to friction, particularly as TDP’s South MLA, Vamsi Krishna Srinivas, is pushing for Usha Sri Peddishetty and Kampa Hanok as candidates. However, the party leadership is reluctant to concede to JSP’s demands. Despite claims of consultations with the high command, the absence of a clear consensus has fuelled speculation of a possible no-confidence motion against the current leadership.
Adding to the uncertainty, reports suggest that some corporators may dispute the legitimacy of their signatures on documents submitted to the district collector, potentially triggering an official review. This could lead to legal and procedural delays, further complicating the decision-making process.
TDP’s State president and Gajuwaka MLA, Palla Srinivas, has proposed Peela Srinivas or Gandham Srinivas as Deputy Mayor. However, a unified agreement remains elusive. Other strong contenders, including Kandula Nagaraju, Sadhik, and Golagani Mangaveni, have also emerged, each backed by different factions within the party. The ongoing resistance against specific candidates reflects the growing internal discord, making it difficult for TDP to maintain unity.
Meanwhile, the Opposition YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) has strategically relocated its corporators to Bengaluru, likely to prevent defections or political interference by the TDP. The YSRCP’s silence on its next move suggests confidence that the TDP’s no-confidence motion will fail.
 The TDP needs the presence of 66 members for the motion to succeed, but reports indicate they are still five members short, making their position precarious.
Despite the rising tensions, the TDP and the JSP are yet to engage in serious negotiations to resolve their differences. Plans to set up a coordination camp in Hyderabad were abandoned over disagreements about expenses, reflecting the growing mistrust within the alliance. This disunity raises concerns about governance efficiency, as GVMC leadership decisions are crucial for Visakhapatnam’s administration.
With the crisis escalating, the TDP faces mounting pressure to find a resolution before the situation deteriorates further. The party’s failure to present a united front not only weakens its internal stability, but also gives the YSRCP a strategic edge.