Generally, sitting candidates have a marginal edge over other contestants in any election. But, this scenario seems to have lost its significance for Vijayawada Municipal Corporation elections, as not many sitting corporators are in the fray.
Changing political equations, rising aspirations among candidates and division reservations appear to have influenced many sitting candidates and those who have contested in the past to stay away from municipal elections this time.
Interestingly, while a few former mayors are aspiring for MLA tickets from various parties to contest from the three city constituencies, most sitting corporators have not filed their nominations. Over 500 candidates are contesting from 59 divisions, and of these, hardly 25 sitting corporators are in the fray.
Rumours are doing rounds that former Mayor Tadi Shakuntala is aspiring for YSRC MLA ticket, her successor M.V. Ratnabindu is eyeing Jai Samaikyandhra MLA ticket. Another former mayor, Panchumarthi Anuradha, has decided not to contest municipal elections and is keen for a nominated post.
There are many factors for sitting corporators not evincing interest this time. The prime one being division reservations clause. Many corporators, who had strong hold in a particular division had to compromise on their prospects, as the divisions were reserved for either female candidates, backward or other classes. Perhaps this could have forced many to stay away from contesting the elections, says P. Anuradha, former mayor from the TDP.
Admitting the reservation factor, former Deputy Mayor Ch.Krishna Kumar, who is not contesting this time, points out that most candidates are not happy with the respective party’s choice in selecting candidates. The number of independent candidates is also high, he adds.
Most candidates contesting this time lack experience and awareness about Municipal Corporation acts, rules etc. Political parties should have fielded senior and experienced candidates but most sitting corporators are not confident about their prospects, hence not many are contesting, explains Tadi Shakuntala, who is joining the YSRC very shortly.
