The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) has announced its MLC and State women’s wing president Varudu Kalyani as its candidate for the Mayor’s post in the upcoming Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) elections, setting the stage for a political contest over the coveted civic position.

Speaking to the local media following the announcement on Thursday night, Ms. Kalyani expressed her gratitude to YSRCP president and former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy for reposing faith in her and giving her the opportunity to contest the Mayoral post. She said she would make every effort to live up to the expectations of the party leadership and justify the confidence placed in her.

Ms. Kalyani, who belongs to the Koppula Velama community classified under the Backward Classes (BC) category, said Mr. Jagan Mohan Reddy had consistently worked towards the social and political empowerment of BC communities by providing them opportunities in electoral politics.

Stating that she had participated in many agitations and movements on issues concerning Visakhapatnam and its people, Ms. Kalyani expressed confidence that the people of the city would support her candidature.

Taking a swipe at the NDA government, Ms. Kalyani alleged that it had failed to fulfil the promises made in its election manifesto. She raised concerns over the alleged transfer of valuable land in Visakhapatnam to private entities at prices much below their actual worth.

She also alleged that the TDP representative from the region had been securing land at cheaper rates for an educational institution.

Ms. Kalyani accused the NDA government of failing to ensure adequate water supply to residents of Visakhapatnam.