In a drastic step, Kadapa Mayor Suresh Babu has been disqualified by the coalition government from the mayoralty for gross misconduct for abusing the power and office as required under municipal administration. A formal directive was made for his disqualification by the Municipal Administration Secretary following a complete inquiry into the misbehaviour of the official.
Suresh Babu is in serious trouble, with charges of his role in corruption of 36 lakhs and violating the laws of the municipality. He is also charged with providing municipal work to his relatives and making threatening remarks against MLA Reddappagari Madhavi. A show-cause notice was sent to him on March 24 for these charges, followed by a thorough inquiry by the Municipal Principal Secretary on Tuesday.
The government, after considering his reaction to the allegations, decided that Suresh Babu could no longer remain mayor. Pouring oil on fire, the political climate became heated when Babu suspended seven councillors who had recently defected from the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) to the TDP, further causing unrest in the local political scenario.
The intertwining of corruption charges, legal infractions, and increasing political turmoil eventually resulted in his ouster as head of the Kadapa municipality, questioning the state of governance and accountability in the same.