TDP selects Avanapu Bharagavi as Vizianagaram Mayor candidate

Avanapu Bhargavi | Photo Credit: Special arrangement VIZIANAGARAM:The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has selected Avanapu Bharagavi, wife of TDP senior leader Avanapu Vijay, as the mayoral candidate for Vizianagaram following a series of intensive discussions.Ms. Bharagavi has been active in party activities along with her husband. Her father in law Avanapu Suribabu had previously worked as Vizianagaram Municipal Chairperson.She belongs to the Nagavamsam community which has a significant population in Vizianagaram and other parts of the region.The finalisation of candidates had become a herculean task for Rajya Sabha member and the party observer Chintakayala Ravi, and TDP MLA Aditi Vijaya Lakshmi Gajapathi Raju who held several rounds of discussions with candidates who sought mayor’s seat.They also took suggestions from the party high command before finalising the Ms. Bhargavi’s name.Initially, former ZP chairperson Majji Srinivasa Rao’s daughter Siri Sahasra’s name was considered, but she did not have a vote in city limits. Former corporator Kandi Murali Naidu sought a ticket to his wife Samantaka Mani who was mayoral candidate in 2019 elections. Former municipal chairperson Prasadula Kanaka Mahalakshmi and family members also sought the seat. Meanwhile, JSP insisted for the mayor’s seat.Mr. Chintakayala Vijay said that Ms. Bhargavi’s name was finalised as the party decided to field candidates from the most backward community and considered her family’s service to the party in the last few years.He said that the leaders who sought mayor’s post would get other opportunities in future as their services were also taken into consideration. Published - October 17, 2026 12:59 pm IST