Kothagudem has a new Urban Development Authority (KUDA) chairperson role, sparking interest from both the ruling Congress and CPI parties. These parties had previously teamed up during the past Assembly elections.
The urban development authority was officially established with GO No. 177 on October 15, 2024, and the official announcement came out on May 29 this year. However, the leadership for KUDA is still undecided.
Kunamneni Sambasiva Rao, a CPI leader and representative for the Kothagudem Assembly constituency, is advocating for his party members to take the position. Meanwhile, Congress is also eager to claim the spot.
The situation becomes more pressing with local body elections approaching. In early July, Sambasiva Rao met with Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy to discuss joint efforts for these elections. Inside sources reveal that Congress is uncertain about whether to support CPI’s claim or appoint their own member as KUDA chairman. Local Congress figures insist on having one of their own in the role to strengthen their influence in the area.
Supporters of Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka and Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy are also in the race for the position. Both parties are wary of repeating past conflicts like those experienced during the appointment of the Peddammagudi chairman. Although several names are being considered, the final decision on the KUDA chairman remains pending.
