Guntur Mayor, Dy. Mayor lodge complaints with Collector against Municipal Commissioner

Following the recent heated arguments between YSRCP corporators and municipal staff during the Council meeting of the Guntur Municipal Corporation, Mayor Kavati Manohar Naidu and Deputy Mayor Vanama Bala Vajrababu lodged complaints against Municipal Commissioner Puli Srinivasulu with District Collector S. Nagalakshmi, on Monday.

Mr. Manohar Naidu alleged that the Commissioner was not responding properly in matters related to holding the Council meetings, which was essential for taking up any development works in the city. He also complained that the Commissioner was not following the rules, and that he withdrew staff from the Mayor’s office.

Responding over the issues, Ms. Nagalakshmi told The Hindu that she had assured the Mayor that she would speak with the Commissioner and also discuss the matter of holding Council meetings.

On the other hand, the Deputy Mayor said that the Commissioner was taking advantage of an alleged unparliamentary word uttered by him in the Council meeting and not cooperating for further proceedings. He also alleged that the Commissioner withdrew staff from his office without prior notice.

Mr. Vajrababu further alleged that the Commissioner had mishandled ₹9.2 crore during the Vijayawada floods, by diverting the money from the GMC, without the consent of the Council. He sought an inquiry into the two allegations, and claimed that he never intended to use objectionable words against the Commissioner.

Ms. Nagalakshmi said that she would request the Commissioner to allocate the required number of staff for the Mayor and the Deputy Mayor. The other issues would be referred to the government, she added.

Meanwhile, Mr. Srinivasulu said that despite his appeal in the Council meeting, the Mayor didn’t respond properly to put the House in order. He said he had informed the Council that he was willing to provide information in whichever format the members needed it.

The funds were used following instructions from the government and the bills were submitted, which would be reimbursed to the GMC by the State government, he added.