In a major political shift, several corporators from the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) have switched allegiance to the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), boosting the party’s influence in the key coastal city.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, who is striving to strengthen TDP’s hold on Andhra Pradesh, welcomes this development.
According to sources, a group of corporators officially joined TDP during a formal event on Monday evening; they were previously affiliated with the opposition YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), and senior party leaders attended the event. While the exact number remains unconfirmed, insiders suggest that at least five to seven corporators have defected, citing dissatisfaction with YSRCP’s leadership and a belief in TDP’s vision for Vizag’s development.
The move is considered a strategic victory for TDP, which has been steadily expanding its grassroots presence after the party’s alliance-led triumph in the 2024 state elections.
Analysts attribute the defections to TDP’s renewed emphasis on urban development and infrastructure projects in Visakhapatnam, a critical economic hub. “TDP is positioning itself as a party focused on progress, and these defections indicate growing trust in Naidu’s leadership,” said a local political commentator.
At the welcoming event, a senior TDP leader hailed the new members, stating, “This reflects the trust people have in our governance and our mission to transform Vizag into a model city. With these additions, we are confident of delivering even better results.” The defecting corporators echoed this sentiment, expressing their eagerness to contribute to TDP’s plans for improving civic infrastructure and addressing long-standing issues in their respective wards.
The political realignment has also fueled speculation about TDP’s broader strategy to challenge YSRCP’s hold over the GVMC council. With these defections, TDP, along with its NDA allies—the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Jana Sena Party (JSP)—is inching closer to posing a formidable challenge to YSRCP’s dominance in the municipal body.
Party insiders hint at a possible no-confidence motion against the current YSRCP-led administration, though no official announcement has been made. Some speculate that it will take place on March 19th.
Unsurprisingly, YSRCP leaders have dismissed the defections as politically motivated, accusing TDP of indulging in opportunistic poaching. “This will not deter us from serving the people of Vizag,” a YSRCP spokesperson asserted, vowing to counter TDP’s growing influence.
As the political landscape in Vizag continues to evolve, TDP’s aggressive membership drive and outreach efforts are gaining traction. With this latest wave of defections, the party appears well-positioned to strengthen its hold in the city, setting the stage for an intense power struggle in the coming months.