TDP leader's family member eyes Vizianagaram ZP chairperson post

Kimidi Sandhya is expected to run for the Vizianagaram Zilla Parishad chairperson position in upcoming local political races. She is the daughter-in-law of Cheepurupalli MLA and former Minister Kimidi Kala Venkata Rao and the wife of TDP State Secretary Kimidi Mallik Naidu.

Election Route

To secure the chairperson role, Ms. Sandhya plans to first contest as a Zilla Parishad Territorial Constituency member from either Garividi or Gurla. The final chairperson position is decided through an indirect election among 27 ZPTC members.

Family Background

Local party leaders initially urged Mr. Mallik Naidu to seek the chairperson seat, but the position is reserved for a backward classes woman this time. This rule led the family to field Ms. Sandhya instead. Mr. Kala Venkata Rao won against YSRCP heavy hitter Botcha Satyanarayana in the 2024 general election but missed out on a cabinet spot.

Context

Local body elections in Andhra Pradesh often involve complex family dynamics and reserved seat rotations for specific social groups. The TDP high command holds the final authority on candidate selections for key local government posts across districts.