HYDERABAD: Ensuring the safety of women in the city will be one of the top priorities during her tenure, said Gadwal Vijaya Laxmi after taking over as Hyderabad’s 26th mayor, on Thursday. The other two important issues on her agenda: healthcare and education.

Speaking to TOI, hours after being elected to the post, Vijaya Laxmi said that she will strive hard to make sure the city becomes a safe haven for women across all age groups. “Women safety is my utmost priority…I am saying this to all the women of Hyderabad, you have elected a woman and she will ensure that you are taken care of…I am saying this as a woman because I know the problems that one has to face as a woman,” said the mayor, as she thanked Telangana chief minister, K Chandrashekar Rao and municipal administration and urban development (MAUD) minister, KT Rama Rao for giving her the opportunity to serve her people. “They have chosen women for both the posts…it is extremely commendable,” she added
Apart from issues of women, Vijaya Laxmi said she will also strengthen education and healthcare. “I am also passionate about the development of the city and want to enhance the education system further. Healthcare is also an area that I vow to work very hard at,” she said. The daughter of senior TRS leader, K Keshava Rao, also said that she will take members of all political parties, along with her, while discharging her duties as mayor.
“Not only will I involve those from by party, but will also take along women and members of all political parties — be BJP or AIMIM — with me on this journey,” said Vijaya Laxmi while assuring to complete all pending GHMC projects and improve the sanitation system of Hyderabad. “I will try to ensure pending projects are completed on time and work towards improving the city’s Swachh Survekshan ranking,” the newly elected mayor said.