Vijayawada: The general council meeting of the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC), presided over by mayor Rayana Bhagyalakshmi, addressed a total of 178 proposals. Out of these, 78 were approved through resolutions and 60 were referred to special committees for further review. Meanwhile, 10 proposals were assigned for administrative action, 10 were marked with office remarks, 10 were recorded for reference and 10 proposals were recommended to the state govt for necessary action.
During discussions, the plight of flood victims affected by the Budameru river inundation was a major topic. YSRCP member and former corporator Jamala Poornamma, now a co-option member, alleged that chief minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu failed to support the flood-affected victims, sharing her own experience during the floods. This triggered an interruption from TDP member Mummaneni Prasad, who accused her of making baseless allegations against the chief minister and used offensive language against her during the proceedings.
The incident caused chaos for 20 minutes, prompting mayor Bhagyalakshmi to intervene. Expressing her disapproval of Prasad’s behaviour, mayor demanded that he withdraw his remarks. When Prasad refused, the mayor ordered his suspension. Attempts by marshals to escort Prasad out of the meeting were met with threats from him, forcing them to retreat. The council was adjourned temporarily amidst the uproar.
After the session resumed, YSRCP members insisted that Prasad either apologise or retract his statements. Eventually, Prasad withdrew his remarks, restoring order to the proceedings.
Key proposals approved during the meeting included internal transfers of ward secretariat staff who were in the same position for over three years, as well as the relocation of social workers and resource persons working in the Urban Community Development (UCD) department for the same duration. The council resolved to appeal to the state govt to provide complete compensation to all Budameru flood victims for the damages incurred.
A resolution was passed to install an RO water plant at the corporation’s headquarters to ensure clean drinking water for corporators, employees, and the public visiting the premises. In light of Vijayawada’s rapid development and increasing traffic issues, the council proposed a comprehensive survey for the construction of flyovers to address the city’s traffic woes.
Additionally, it was decided to expedite underground drainage works in the 17th division, where severe siltation caused overflow issues, posing significant difficulties to residents. Another proposal addressed public complaints about ward secretariat staff behaving rudely and neglecting their duties, particularly in implementing govt schemes. The council approved a BJP member’s suggestion for internal transfers of these staff members to improve efficiency and public service.
