For the voters of newly formed Malkajgiri Assembly constituency it was a historical moment seven months ago when they exercised their franchise in general elections. They would be creating history again in the first election to the GHMC on Monday by electing maximum number of woman corporators compared to any other Assembly segment.
Six out of the eight divisions are reserved for women here. While Alwal and Yapral are reserved for scheduled caste (women), Defence colony, Moula Ali, Safilguda and Gowthamnagar are reserved for women (general).
The other two divisions, Old Malkajgiri and Matcha Bollarum have been allocated to Scheduled Caste (general).
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Traffic woes
Illegal encroachment of government lands near tanks, inundation of residential colonies due to slightest rain, shortage of drinking water and lack of roads are major issues in all the three divisions falling under erstwhile Alwal municipality.
This was merged with Malkajgiri municipality to form the present Assembly constituency.
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Numerous railway level crossing gates that hamper flow of traffic causing inconvenience to thousands of commuters daily, especially during peak hours, is the often complained issue in the other five divisions.
Scores of complaints were submitted and demonstrations were staged before Rail Nilayam but no solution was found, the locals charge.
Even as candidates from Bharatiya Janata Party, Praja Rajyam and Lok Satta parties are in the fray, the contest is mainly between the Congress and Telugu Desam parties in almost all the divisions. However, T.D. Kavitha of BJP, whose close relative was a former councillor, is throwing a formidable challenge to Congress nominee Geeta Rani in Alwal division.
Though Matcha Bollarum has a rebel candidate from BJP, the fight is mainly between Surya Kiran of Congress and Jitendranth of TDP.
The leaders of both the Congress and the TDP made efforts to patch up with their rebel candidates in Yapral but could not succeed.
Another interesting contest is in Moula Ali division where Farah Khan, charged with involvement in criminal cases and known as lady don in criminal circles, is contesting on MIM ticket.