There has been an intense speculation that a woman would be made mayor of Hyderabad . The GHMC is expected to issue notification for the election of Mayor later in the day. The mayor post is reserved for BC general. So, not only male candidates, even female candidates can also compete for the post.
As TRS won a huge majority of 99 divisions, more than the simple majority, the pink party can have the mayor of its choice without being pressured by any other force. Even MIM , a friendly party now has to depend on the mercy of TRS and beg for the post of deputy mayor.
According to sources in TRS, chief minister KCR is on the look out of a female candidate to be appointed as the mayor of Hyderabad city, which is heart and soul of Telangana.
The reason is appointing a woman as mayor can counter the argument that women are underrepresented and KCR is not allowing any woman emerge stronger in TRS through governmental power, other than Kavita and his daughter and Nizambad MP. There is no woman member in the cabinet. The only woman in position is Padma Devender Reddy, deputy speaker. Congress MLA DK Aruna even filed a petition in the court seeking directive to government to appoint women in the cabinet. The petition, however, was dismissed. To put an end to the adverse criticism, KCR is expected to select a woman candidate for the post of mayor. The TRS has got a great opportunity to appoint a woman as mayor and can claim it created history by appointing first woman for GHMC after formation of new state.
The whisper in the corridors is that Gadwal Vijayalakshmi, who won from Jubilee Hills division is most likely candidate for the post. Vijayalakshmi is the daughter of party secretary general and Rajya Sabha MP K Kesavarao. Sources claim that a decision had already been taken on the matter, KCR is holding the announcement till the results are out. Kesavarao played crucial role in bringing in many Congress leaders to TRS, before the partition. KK as he is known in public played enjoys confidence of KCR and his family members.
The other name doing rounds among the TRS circles is Bonthu Rammohan, who is president of TRS youth wing. Rammohan has won from Cherlapally division and he also enjoys close relationship with KCR and his son KTR. He has been active member in TRS activities before and after formation of the new state. He contested in last Assembly elections from Sanathnagar but lost.
Some leaders point out that KCR would appoint Vijayalaksmi as mayor and Bonthu Rammohan as deputy mayor. To placate MIM he would give them some chairmen of key committees that would help the party work to develop the old city. Mayor election is slated on February 12.
