The TDP corporators initiated a no-confidence motion against Kumari on March 22.
The Greater Vizag Municipal Corporation (GVMC) is currently under the administration of the YSRCP, led by Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy. The mayor and both deputy mayors — J Sridhar and K Satish — are affiliated with the YSRCP,
which is experiencing internal turmoil and a steady stream of leaders switching their allegiance to the TDP following their loss of power in the state.
With the voting deadline of April 19 on the horizon, both parties have relocated their corporators to prevent poaching and cross-voting, according to The Indian Express.
Both the NDA and the YSRCP are optimistic about securing victory. However, it has been noted that senior leaders from both parties are actively collaborating behind the scenes to strengthen their support in light of the no-confidence motion.
A report from The Hindu indicates that YSRCP corporators, who were previously stationed in Karnataka, have now been moved to Sri Lanka.
In contrast, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), which had accommodated its corporators at a resort in Bhogapuram, has reportedly begun arranging for their relocation to Malaysia.
Approximately 25 to 30 corporators have already departed for Malaysia, with additional groups scheduled to leave in the next couple of days.
The YSRCP holds 59 out of the 98 seats in the GVMC, while the TDP has 29 corporators, along with three from their ally JSP. The BJP, CPI, and CPI(M) each have one seat.
Since the TDP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) took power in the state last June, about 25 YSRCP corporators have reportedly defected. The NDA now claims the backing of 65 to 70 corporators, although they require 74 votes to succeed in the no-confidence motion.
Speaking with The Indian Express, JSP MLA Vamsi Krishna remarked, “When TDP’s floor leader, P Srinivasa Rao, submitted the no-confidence motion against the mayor, it had the signatures of 69 corporators. We have the support of roughly 70 corporators and hope to gain more before the voting.”
TDP state president Palla Srinivasa Rao, who represents the Gajuwaka constituency in Vizag, confirmed that some party members have gone to Malaysia. “About 26 individuals have traveled to various locations in Kuala Lumpur with their families. Eleven corporators left today. We are confident about winning the no-confidence motion.”
According to a TDP source, the corporators “were instructed to reserve rooms at available resorts with the assurance that their expenses would be covered by party leaders.” The YSRCP counts 30-34 corporators on their side and is concerned about potential pressure to vote for the TDP.
In a discussion with the outlet, GVMC Deputy Mayor Jiyyani Sridhar stated that he is currently at a resort in Kochi with seven other YSRCP leaders. “About 30 members have traveled to different locations in Sri Lanka. I cannot disclose the specifics. Not all YSRCP corporators will participate in the voting on April 19. Some of us will return to Vizag only after the vote,” Sridhar added.
Meanwhile, NDA corporators have also submitted a no-confidence motion notice with the Collector against Deputy Mayor J. Sridhar.
