Sri Vijaya Puram, April 24: In a closely contested election, Ward No. 12 Councillor Vasantha Muthuraman was elected Chairperson of the Sri Vijaya Puram Municipal Council (SVPMC) for the fifth and final year of its 2022–2027 tenure on Thursday.
Representing the Congress–DMK alliance, Vasantha secured 13 votes out of the 24 polled, defeating her rival C. Karunanidhi of Ward No. 16, who contested as the joint candidate of the BJP–TDP alliance. The result gives the Congress a key leadership position in the final year of the council, which is set to face fresh elections in 2027.
The election outcome stands out in the context of the council’s composition. The BJP holds 10 councillor seats and is supported by two TDP members, taking their combined strength to 12. On the other side, the Congress has 10 councillors with the backing of a single DMK member, bringing its tally to 11. The council also includes one independent councillor.
The election assumes added importance as it comes at a politically significant juncture—the final year of the council’s tenure. This period is often seen as crucial for setting administrative priorities and shaping public perception ahead of elections. Control of the chairperson’s office allows the ruling side to influence governance decisions and consolidate its political position.
The BJP–TDP alliance, which held the chairperson’s position in the previous term, was aiming to retain control, while the Congress–DMK alliance viewed the election as an opportunity to strengthen its footing before the upcoming polls.
With Vasantha taking over as chairperson, focus is expected to shift towards governance and delivery in the coming months. Civic issues, infrastructure development, and service delivery are likely to be central to the council’s agenda as political parties prepare for the next election cycle.
The Congress’ victory in this crucial term is expected to carry political significance, offering both administrative leverage and a platform to shape the narrative ahead of the forthcoming municipal elections.
