Bandi Sanjay accuses rival parties of plotting to block BJP from Karimnagar Mayor post

Karimnagar MP and Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar on Saturday accused the ruling Congress, the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and the AIMIM of making an ‘unethical deal’ to capture the Karimnagar Mayor post, despite the BJP emerging as the single-largest party in the municipal corporation. He nevertheless sounded confident of clinching the top post.

Speaking at a press conference at the BJP State office, Mr. Sanjay warned that any attempt to ‘snatch away’ the Mayor post from the BJP would have serious consequences. He said the BJP had the required numbers with the support of independent corporators, and alleged that rival parties were attempting to undermine the mandate through coordinated political manoeuvres.

In the recent elections, the BJP won 30 out of 66 divisions, while the ruling Congress secured 14, the BRS 9 and others 13.

Mr. Sanjay accused the Congress and BRS of attempting to lure newly elected BJP corporators with inducements. “Our corporators are rejecting these unethical offers,” he said, reiterating that the BJP had no interest in any alliance with the BRS.

He demanded that both parties clarify reports about their supposed joint strategy to secure the Mayor post.

Claiming the existence of a ‘clandestine agreement’ between the two parties even before the municipal elections, Mr. Sanjay said such tactics had driven voters toward the BJP.

He asserted that BJP corporators would not join hands with any other party in the forthcoming Mayor election.

The Minister added that the BJP’s vote share had risen significantly and expressed confidence that the party would demonstrate its strength in the upcoming elections to the trifurcated GHMC. He also claimed that the BJP would come to power in the State in 2028. MLC Malka Komaraiah and other leaders were present at the press meet.