VMC Elections: AB Venkateswara Rao Comments On Vangaveeti Radha

Venkateswara Rao, who is contesting as an Independent with the support of the Congress and Left parties, told the media that he responded to claims that he influenced Vangaveeti Radha’s switch from YSRCP to TDP before the 2019 elections. He said he has known Radha for years, but last spoke to him about seven months ago. He also denied that he was fielded to block Radha’s mayoral bid. Left parties asked him to contest, and he agreed on the condition of their support. He said he would have run regardless of who the TDP fielded.

The former Intelligence Officer explained that Radha was in YSRCP when Ram Gopal Varma’s film Vangaveeti was released. Radha protested against parts of the film about his father Ranga, and police dragged him away. Rao said the police overreacted and that he told the then government about that incident.

Around the same time, a YSRCP leader Gautam Reddy made a controversial remark about his father Ranga, and Radha was deeply hurt. YS Jagan also spoke to him about the issue, but Radha was not convinced.Rao said that he only called as a friend and advised Radha to decide quickly. TDP leader TD Janardhan then invited Radha, who joined the party, Venkateswara Rao stated.

Rao also added that he declined the AP Police Housing Corporation chairman post because he had many goals and wanted to do more meaningful work for society.

The mayoral election for Vijayawada Municipal Corporation has seen a line-up of 19 candidates, including Jana Sena, YSRCP, and 11 Independent candidates, with 349 candidates contesting the 86 divisions as per the official lists of candidates released on Sunday. The large number of contestants and the presence of several smaller parties and Independents make the VMC election a closely watched contest, with the mayoral race adding further interest to the campaign.