
Fri Jan 30 17:43:38 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Political Tensions Flare in Visakhapatnam as Mayor Alleges Attack by Rival Party Members
The Story:
On January 30, 2026, a heated confrontation occurred during a Greater Visakhaptnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) Council meeting, with Mayor Peela Srinivasa Rao alleging an attack orchestrated by YSRCP MLC Botcha Satyanarayana. The Mayor claims the animosity stems from Mr. Satyanarayana’s wife’s loss to Visakhapatnam MP M. Sribharat in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The dispute also revolves around a proposal to regularize government land for GITAM educational institutions, an issue the Mayor insists is under the State government’s jurisdiction. TDP MLAs have condemned the alleged attack, accusing YSRCP leaders of importing “faction culture” into the city, while YSRCP leaders staged a protest near the GVMC office.
Key Points:
- Mayor Peela Srinivasa Rao accused YSRCP MLC Botcha Satyanarayana of orchestrating an attack against him during a GVMC Council meeting.
- The Mayor alleges the motive is related to the 2024 Lok Sabha election results where Mr. Satyanarayana’s wife lost to M. Sribharat.
- The Council meeting addressed the proposal to regularize government land for GITAM educational institutions, which the Mayor states is a matter for the State government.
- TDP MLAs condemned the alleged attack, accusing YSRCP leaders of bringing “faction culture” to Visakhapatnam.
- YSRCP leaders and supporters protested near the GVMC office.
Key Takeaways:
- Political rivalries in Visakhapatnam are escalating, potentially disrupting governance and development initiatives.
- The controversy surrounding land regularization for educational institutions highlights the complex interplay between local and state-level authorities.
- The incident reflects a pattern of political clashes and accusations, pointing to a polarized political environment in the region.
- The involvement of multiple political parties suggests broader ramifications for the stability of the local government.