YSRCP shifts GVMC corporators to Bengaluru amid political crisis

Visakhapatnam is witnessing high political drama as the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) moves its Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) corporators to Bengaluru in phases. So far, 23 corporators have been relocated, with more expected to follow soon.

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The move comes as YSRCP braces for a no-confidence motion against Visakhapatnam Mayor Golagani Hari Venkata Kumari. The party fears defections following a shift in political dynamics after the 2024 Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections, which saw a landslide victory for the NDA alliance.

In the 2020 GVMC elections, YSRCP secured a majority with 59 out of 98 seats, while the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) won 29. However, after recent defections, the NDA-backed alliance now holds 53 seats, reducing YSRCP’s strength to 38.

Last July, NDA-backed candidates won the standing committee elections, intensifying efforts to unseat the YSRCP mayor. As per municipal rules, a no-confidence motion could only be initiated after four years in office, a condition met on March 18.

In a bid to prevent further defections, YSRCP has resorted to "resort politics," shifting corporators to Bengaluru. This strategy, often used in Indian politics, aims to keep party members together until the crucial vote. More relocations are expected as YSRCP scrambles to retain control.