VMC’s position is better, says mayor Koneru Sridhar

Vijayawada: Stating that the oppositions’ criticism of his functioning was unfounded, Vijayawada mayor Koneru Sridhar on Monday said that he was more efficient than his predecessors.

“They are expecting miracles in just 100 days. They should note that we have brought about Rs 60 crore from the government in expenditure, professional taxes and non-plan grants,” Mr Sridhar said, referring to the opposition’s charges.

He alleged that the previous mayors had damaged the financial position of the corporation. “We are trying to increase revenue without imposing any new taxes or increasing the existing ones.

We have concentrated on getting the dues released from the business establishments first. About Rs 23 crore is due from the state and Central government organisations like SCR, Doordarshan, and we will receive them in a few days,” he said.

Reacting to allegations that eligible persons were removed from list of pensioners, the mayor said, “Officials verified and found the data available did not match the application. No corporator suggested a single name to be removed.”