It is well known that Pulivendula is the virtual stronghold of the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) and is represented in the Assembly by none other than party president Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy.
Elections for any post — from gram panchayat to MPTC, ZPTC, or the Assembly seat — are typically one-sided in favor of the YSRCP.
Despite this, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) is making a determined effort to challenge Jagan’s dominance in Pulivendula.
In the recently held Water Users’ Association elections, the TDP registered a comfortable victory, with the YSRCP failing to even field a candidate.
Now, a by-election for the crucial Zilla Parishad Territorial Constituency (ZPTC) seat from Pulivendula is scheduled for August 12, along with other vacant ZPTC and MPTC seats across the state. Nominations opened on July 30, and the last date for filing is Friday.
The by-election was necessitated by the death of sitting ZPTC member C Maheshwar Reddy two years ago. He had previously been elected unopposed, as the TDP was unable to field a candidate under pressure.
This time, Pulivendula TDP in-charge M Ravindranath Reddy (B Tech Ravi) announced that his wife, Latha Reddy, and his younger brother, Jayabharath Reddy, would contest. They are expected to file their nominations on Friday afternoon.
Ravindranath Reddy expressed confidence that this election would help strengthen the TDP in Kadapa district.
“The TDP is seizing every opportunity in Pulivendula, as people are satisfied with the development and welfare initiatives we are promoting,” he said.
This by-election is considered prestigious for Jagan, who is already grappling with internal rifts within the YSR family. He is reportedly struggling to coordinate and mobilize the cadre aligned with Y S Avinash Reddy.
Meanwhile, rumors are circulating that Jagan’s brother and former Kamalapuram in-charge, Dushyant Reddy, has been in contact with TDP leaders.
Speculation suggests he may officially join the TDP, which could further complicate matters for the YSRCP chief.
On the other hand, the Sharmila faction remains active and influential. A section of the YSR family continues to support Y S Sharmila and Y S Sunitha, which could have an impact on the political dynamics in the region.
