Venkat Raman –
There is no alternative to the National government which has delivered strong growth with friendly policies for the past almost nine years, says the Party’s candidate in Kelston.
Bala Beeram (aka Venugopal Reddy Beeram) knows that the West Auckland constituency is now a Labour stronghold but he is confident of winning the seat with strong campaigning and with the support of politicians, friends and volunteers.
The ensuing general election on September 23, 2017 would only be the second time that Kelston would be featured as a constituency.
Electorate History
The Electoral Commission confirmed the creation of Kelston Constituency on April 17, 2014. The decision was based on increase in population in the Auckland region as recorded in Census 2013, to keep all electorates within 5% of their quota. In order to accommodate an extra electorate, the Electoral Commission abolished the erstwhile Waitakere Constituency and established two electorates, namely Kelston and Upper Harbour. While Carmel Sepuloni of Labour Party took the Kelston seat in the 2014 general election, Paula Bennett of National won in the Upper Harbour electorate.
Ms Sepuloni registered an impressive performance, taking 15,091 votes (50.90%), while National’s Chris Penk came second with only 9724 votes (32.80%). He has been chosen to contest the Helensville seat vacated by John Key who resigned from Parliament recently.
Kelston incorporates part of Te Atatu South, Glen Eden, Sunnyvale, Glendene, Kelston, New Lynn, Avondale, Mt Albert and Waterview, many of which have enthusiastic Labour supporters.
Values in life
Mr Beeram said that strong family values (he has a small family comprising his wife and teenage daughter), work culture (he is a Scientific Analyst at ‘Asure Quality,’ a leader in food safety and quality), community service and commitment to ethics and principles are the best attributes that he brings to politics.
“Precision, honesty, responsibility and efficiency are crucial and central to my profession and I believe that these qualities are equally important in politics. There is no room for compromise because community safety is dependent on food safety. Similarly, the role of a Parliamentarian is significant to the country’s safety and growth,” he said.
Mr Beeram said that he would pursue a vigorous campaign in Kelston with the support of strong teams of volunteers, existing MPs, Party leaders and others.
Community Service
“I have been a resident of Kelston for the past 18 years with intense community involvement. I understand our people, their needs and aspirations. I communicate with them well and I pledge to carry their voice to Parliament and serve them,” he said.
He said that as a former President and Executive Committee Member of the New Zealand Telugu Association, he has been involved with several community welfare projects including blood donation camps, tree-planting, sports events, fundraising for charitable causes and cultural programmes.
He is currently the Manager of his daughter’s Netball Team.
Political Engagement
Mr Beeram said that he has been associated with the National Party since his arrival in New Zealand in 1999, he has been an active member for the past 11 years.
“As well as enrolling hundreds of new Members, I have participated in the Party’s general election campaigns, which included meeting people in their homes, offices, shopping malls, events and other places. I understand the importance of connectivity. I am fortunate to have the support of my Party and teams of volunteers to help in Kelston,” he said.
We have not heard from Ms Sepuloni about her campaign plans but the mood in the Labour Camp is one of confidence and fighting spirit.
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