The Kothagudem municipal corporation has been won by the CPI, with party leader Mood Ganesh elected as Mayor. Lalitha Kumari of the Congress party was elected Deputy Mayor. The corporation has a total of 60 divisions, and Congress and CPI each won 22 seats. With no party securing a clear majority, the mayoral post remained uncertain until Congress and CPI reached an agreement to share the Mayor and Deputy Mayor positions alternately over a two-year period, under which Mood Ganesh was chosen as Mayor.
Mood Ganesh hails from a middle-class family and entered politics from humble beginnings. Earlier, he worked as an auto driver and also as a driver for private vehicles. During this time, he actively campaigned for labor rights and participated in protests through the AITUC-affiliated Drivers’ Union. His work advocating for workers’ issues earned him recognition and paved the way for his rise within the CPI.
Ganesh began as an ordinary party activist and later won as a corporator, ultimately reaching the Mayor’s position. The recent elections saw Congress contest 58 seats, allotting two to CPI under an alliance. CPI contested 57 seats, BRS fielded 58, BJP 53, Janasena 14, BSP 6, other parties 15, and 91 independents also competed. Out of 60 seats, Congress and CPI won 22, BRS won 8, independents 6, and BJP and CPM one each.
The agreement between Congress and CPI highlights a collaborative approach in the absence of a clear majority. Mood Ganesh’s election as Mayor marks a significant milestone in his political journey, demonstrating how grassroots activism and advocacy for workers’ rights can translate into leadership in municipal governance.