HYDERABAD: From childhood visits to her grandparents in Secunderabad to a career in Canadian politics, Telugu-origin Dipika Damerla\u2019s journey has taken her from Hyderabad\u2019s cantonment area to the mayoral race in Mississauga, Ontario, as reported by TOI.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Mississauga\u2019s municipal election will choose the mayor, ward and regional councillors, and school board trustees for the 2026\u20132030 term. Damerla, who represents Ward 7 on the city council, is seeking to move from local representation to the city\u2019s top elected office.<\/p>\n
Childhood memories keep her connected to Secunderabad<\/p>\n
Born in Secunderabad into a family with an Army background, Damerla moved frequently because of her father\u2019s postings. Her grandparents\u2019 home, however, kept her connected to the city.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe 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,\u201d she told to the Media in a brief interview from Canada.<\/p>\n
Her campaign has recently drawn attention for its use of Bollywood music.<\/p>\n
On October 9, following a mayoral debate, Damerla posted a video on X reworking the song \u2018Kya Hua Tera Wada\u2019. The clip ends with her slogan, \u201cA city that works\u201d, and an appeal for votes.<\/p>\n
Damerla said her team had been filming other campaign material when they decided to create something lighter.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was just a gentle poke at myself. We never imagined it would get this much attention,\u201d she said, adding that some of the response had been hateful.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe hate was upsetting, though,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
She has linked her campaign to residents\u2019 everyday concerns, including road maintenance, litter and the quality of public services.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy 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,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Beyond affordability and civic services, Damerla wants Mississauga to become a centre for innovation.<\/p>\n
Damerla wants to make innovation a growth driver<\/p>\n
\u201cI 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,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Damerla moved into corporate banking after completing an MBA in finance from the University of Toronto\u2019s Rotman School of Management. She later ran a small business in Mississauga.<\/p>\n
Her entry into politics followed three unsuccessful attempts to enter provincial politics. She was elected to Ontario\u2019s legislature in 2011, representing Mississauga East\u2013Cooksville, and served until 2018.<\/p>\n
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\u2019 affairs in 2016 and minister of seniors affairs in January 2017.<\/p>\n
Her ministerial portfolio gave her experience in provincial policy and public administration before she entered municipal politics.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Mississauga needs an independent watchdog at City Hall.<\/p>\n
An Auditor General can follow the money, investigate waste and give taxpayers an independent set of eyes on how their dollars are being spent.<\/p>\n
Thanks to CityNews for covering my plan to bring greater accountability to Mississauga City Hall.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s your money. You deserve to know it\u2019s being spent wisely.<\/p>\n