Former IPS officer AB Venkateswara Rao has said that his long-standing relationship with Vangaveeti Radha goes beyond political differences. The remarks come amid the ongoing local body election campaign in Vijayawada. Venkateswara Rao recalled that he had known Radha for nearly 20 years. He said he was serving as Vijayawada Police Commissioner when Radha first contested an Assembly election. Their association continued over the years even as their public roles and political circumstances changed.
Venkateswar Rao said he had no intention of making personal remarks against Radha during the election campaign. He added that Radha had also refrained from speaking against him. According to ABV Rao, their relationship should not be reduced to a political rivalry. He also criticised those who were allegedly trying to create differences between them. ABV Rao said some people were making provocative statements and spreading claims to turn their personal association into a political confrontation. He made it clear that such attempts would not influence his approach.
Vijayawada Mayor Election: Rao Calls for a Focus on the City
Speaking about the Vijayawada mayoral contest, ABV expressed confidence that the people of the city would make the right decision. He described the opportunity to contest for the mayor’s post as an honour and said leading a city like Vijayawada carried significant responsibility. ABV also said his campaign was being conducted without causing inconvenience to the public. He stressed the importance of keeping the focus on the city’s needs rather than allowing personal attacks to dominate the election atmosphere.
AB Venkateswar Rao Questions the Election Process
ABV raised concerns about the time given for the election process. He alleged that the state government had allowed only a short period for the election-related activities. He also questioned the role of the State Election Commission (SEC), claiming that the process was largely being driven by the state government’s decisions. His remarks add another dimension to the Vijayawada mayoral contest. While political competition is part of every election, Rao’s comments suggest that he does not want his long-standing association with Vangaveeti Radha to become a source of personal hostility.
As the campaign progresses, the focus will remain on the candidates, their plans for Vijayawada and the issues that matter to city residents.
