JOIN USFor them, age is just a number
When it comes to electoral politics, age does not matter but what does is the will to work. And two successful candidates, both from the BJP, have proved this in ample measure.
At 21, R Mahalakshmi daughter of Ravindra a former Vijayanagar ward corporator, holds the distinction of being the youngest corporator in the new Palike.
Mahalakshmi got elected from Hosahalli ward (124) in Vijayanagara Assembly segment.
Sixty nine year old A Kodanda Reddy, who won from Banaswadi ward on BJP ticket, is the oldest corporator. Reddy will be representing Banaswadi ward in the Palike for second time.
Mahalakshmi who is pursuing her BSc from Kuvempu University, tasted success in her electoral debut.
She told Deccan Herald over phone that she made foray into politics on her father H Ravindra’s insistence. “Responsibilities are always challenging and I never shirk from them, whether it’s on the home front or studies and now as a corporator.”
Married in a non-political family, Mahalakshmi has big plans for her ward and says, “I want to make my ward the best ward in Bengaluru. My father, who has been in active politics for past two decades and a former corporator himself, is my inspiration. My priority is to ensure cleanliness in the ward, waste segregation, providing parks for the senior citizens and the children.”
Still raring to go
For, A Kodanda Reddy, age is just a number. At 69, he is full of energy and has big plans for his ward. Having once represented Banaswadi (ward 27) in BBMP council, Reddy says his biggest strength is the faith that people have reposed in him.
Speaking with Deccan Herald, he said, “I expected this victory as people have faith in me. They believe that I will work for the ward and that is my biggest strength. My focus will be on desilting of drains, improving the sanitation facilities and ensuring effective garbage disposal.”
During his first stint as corporator, Reddy used go on rounds in his ward at 6 am to learn himself the problems and shortcoming in his area. After a three-hour long ward walk, Reddy would head home, have breakfast and leave for BBMP. The age-defying Reddy said that he would continue his schedule. A strict disciplinarian, Reddy is in active politics for the past two to three decades. He was a member of erstwhile Janata Party before joining the BJP fold.