HYDERABAD: From childhood visits to her grandparents in Secunderabad to a career in Canadian politics, Telugu-origin Dipika Damerla’s journey has taken her from Hyderabad’s cantonment area to the mayoral race in Mississauga, Ontario, as reported by TOI.
A former provincial minister and an eight-year city councillor, Damerla is campaigning on better civic services, affordability and economic growth. She is using an unconventional mix of policy promises and Bollywood songs to reach voters ahead of the October 26 municipal election.
Mississauga’s municipal election will choose the mayor, ward and regional councillors, and school board trustees for the 2026–2030 term. Damerla, who represents Ward 7 on the city council, is seeking to move from local representation to the city’s top elected office.
Childhood memories keep her connected to Secunderabad
Born in Secunderabad into a family with an Army background, Damerla moved frequently because of her father’s postings. Her grandparents’ home, however, kept her connected to the city.
She recalls visits to Monda Market and Secunderabad Club. She studied at Raja Jitendra Public School in Begumpet and Kendriya Vidyalaya in Trimulgherry before moving to Canada in 1991 after her marriage.
“We had Satyanarayan kathas and relatives visiting our house often. The Telugu films screened at Sheesh Mahal are an integral part of my memories. Those four years in Hyderabad were unforgettable,” she told to the Media in a brief interview from Canada.
Her campaign has recently drawn attention for its use of Bollywood music.
On October 9, following a mayoral debate, Damerla posted a video on X reworking the song ‘Kya Hua Tera Wada’. The clip ends with her slogan, “A city that works”, and an appeal for votes.
Damerla said her team had been filming other campaign material when they decided to create something lighter.
“It was just a gentle poke at myself. We never imagined it would get this much attention,” she said, adding that some of the response had been hateful.
“The hate was upsetting, though,” she said.
She has linked her campaign to residents’ everyday concerns, including road maintenance, litter and the quality of public services.
“Why should residents have to put up with potholes in their neighbourhoods or litter in their parks? Governments have to act better and be accountable to the people they serve,” she said.
Beyond affordability and civic services, Damerla wants Mississauga to become a centre for innovation.
Damerla wants to make innovation a growth driver
“I want to put Mississauga on the world map as a centre for innovation. These emerging fields offer opportunities to strengthen the local economy, and I want the city to be at the forefront of that growth,” she said.
Damerla moved into corporate banking after completing an MBA in finance from the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management. She later ran a small business in Mississauga.
Her entry into politics followed three unsuccessful attempts to enter provincial politics. She was elected to Ontario’s legislature in 2011, representing Mississauga East–Cooksville, and served until 2018.
During her tenure, she held several government positions, including parliamentary assistant roles and associate minister of health and long-term care. She became minister responsible for seniors’ affairs in 2016 and minister of seniors affairs in January 2017.
Her ministerial portfolio gave her experience in provincial policy and public administration before she entered municipal politics.
In 2018, Damerla was elected to Mississauga City Council, where she has represented Ward 7. Her political career has therefore spanned both provincial government and municipal administration.
Mississauga needs an independent watchdog at City Hall.
An Auditor General can follow the money, investigate waste and give taxpayers an independent set of eyes on how their dollars are being spent.
Thanks to CityNews for covering my plan to bring greater accountability to Mississauga City Hall.
It’s your money. You deserve to know it’s being spent wisely.
— Dipika Damerla (@DipikaDamerla) September 29, 2026
Her 2016 India visit focused on trade and investment
Damerla’s links to Telangana extend beyond her childhood. She was part of an Ontario trade mission to India in 2016, led by then-premier Kathleen Wynne, which included Hyderabad.
The Ontario government said the mission aimed to strengthen commercial ties with India and promote cooperation in areas such as urban infrastructure, information and communications technology, manufacturing, education and sustainable development.
During the mission, Canada-based technology company DataWind announced a partnership with the Telangana government to establish a manufacturing base in Hyderabad. The announcement was among the agreements highlighted by the Ontario government as part of its efforts to expand trade and investment ties with India.
Damerla also attended Telangana Night as the guest of honour at an event that drew more than 800 members of the diaspora.
She sees considerable potential for deeper trade relations between India and Canada.
“Trade between India and Canada could be so good. There is a fantastic opportunity to build on that relationship,” she said.
As she seeks the mayor’s office in Mississauga, Damerla’s campaign combines a record in public office with a personal connection to India. Her use of Bollywood music has added an unexpected element to the contest, while her central pitch remains focused on civic services, affordability and economic growth.