In what is being seen as a significant political shake-up in Andhra Pradesh’s urban governance landscape, the TDP-BJP-Janasena coalition has wrested control of the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) mayoral post from the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) — not through fresh electoral mandate, but through a strategic no-confidence motion driven by high-stakes political manoeuvring.
Four years ago, YSRCP had emerged victorious in the GVMC elections, winning 58 out of 98 divisions and securing the Mayor post for Hari Venkata Kumari, a representative of the BC-Yadava community. Her election was celebrated as a win for backward communities and a representation of grassroots politics. However, what unfolded recently is a far cry from that democratic spirit.
The Coalition’s Quiet Coup
Since the TDP-BJP-Janasena alliance formed the state government following the recent assembly elections, their attention seems to have shifted toward consolidating power in local bodies — GVMC being the crown jewel among them. With no fresh elections in sight and no clear majority within the corporation, the coalition reportedly began a campaign to win over YSRCP corporators, deploying what critics call a blend of political pressure and backroom persuasion.
Sources within YSRCP allege that the ruling coalition used state machinery and “undue influence” to coax defections, raising concerns about the erosion of democratic norms. The slow but steady poaching of corporators eventually culminated in the numbers needed to pass a no-confidence motion against Mayor Kumari — a motion that was strategically conducted by the GVMC in-charge commissioner in the presence of the district collector.
A total of 74 corporators reportedly supported the motion, while YSRCP, in protest, boycotted the proceedings, calling them “undemocratic” and “a mockery of people’s mandate.”
Democracy or Power Grab?
YSRCP leaders have come out strongly against what they call a “political hijack,” stating that the mayor’s term had less than a year left and questioning the urgency and ethicality of such a power shift. “What’s the desperation for a mayor post that’s nearing the end of its term? It’s not about governance, it’s about optics and control,” a senior party leader remarked.
Political observers are divided on the incident. While some see it as a legitimate use of legislative tools in a new power dynamic, others warn that such tactics undermine democratic institutions, especially when driven by defection rather than fresh public support.
A Larger Pattern Emerging?
This event is not isolated. Since the formation of the new government, there’s been a perceptible pattern of the coalition focusing on dismantling YSRCP’s local strongholds. Whether it’s through administrative reshuffles, party switches, or tactical no-confidence motions, the message is clear — the new regime wants a clean sweep, not just at the state level but down to the grassroots.
The Road Ahead
While the coalition celebrates its capture of the Mayor post as a victory of political strategy, the larger question remains: At what cost to democratic values?
As the dust settles in Visakhapatnam, political parties across the spectrum are watching closely. Will this set a precedent for more such overthrows? Or will it serve as a wake-up call for strengthening safeguards against political poaching?
Only time will tell. But one thing is certain — democracy in Andhra Pradesh has entered a phase where power plays may speak louder than people’s mandates.
