What is Happening in Kadapa as Polling Takes Place for Two ZPTC Seats?
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Synopsis
As polling for the ZPTC by-elections unfolds in YSR Kadapa district, tensions rise with the preventive custody of Kadapa MP Y.S. Avinash Reddy. The stakes are high as both YSRCP and TDP vie for control in this politically charged atmosphere. Will these elections redefine power dynamics in the region?
Key Takeaways
- Kadapa MP Y. S. Avinash Reddy was placed under preventive custody.
- Polling commenced at 7 a.m. and ends at 5 p.m.
- There are 11 candidates in the fray for both constituencies.
- Tight security measures are in place to ensure peaceful polling.
- The by-elections are seen as a battle of prestige between YSRCP and TDP.
Amaravati, Aug 12 (NationPress) Kadapa MP Y. S. Avinash Reddy was placed under preventive custody by the police ahead of the polling for the by-elections to the Pulivendula and Ontimitta Zilla Parishad Territorial Constituencies (ZPTCs) in YSR Kadapa district on Tuesday.
Polling commenced in both constituencies at 7 a.m. under stringent security measures and will conclude at 5 p.m.
Each segment features eleven candidates competing in the Pulivendula Assembly constituency, which is the stronghold of former Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy.
There are 10,600 eligible voters across 15 polling centres in the Pulivendula ZPTC, while the Ontimitta ZPTC has a voter base of 24,000.
YSRCP leader and Kadapa MP Y. S. Avinash Reddy was apprehended at his home in Kadapa after launching a protest against the heavy police presence outside his residence.
The police dispersed YSRCP supporters before taking the MP into custody. Avinash Reddy is the cousin of Jagan Mohan Reddy.
Authorities also placed YSRCP state secretary Satish Reddy under house arrest in Vempally and TDP MLC Ramgopal Reddy in Pulivendula.
The State Election Commission (SEC) has implemented extensive measures for the orderly conduct of the polling.
Police have established rigorous security protocols to prevent any incidents, including checkposts at the borders of both ZPTCs and district boundaries.
Deputy Inspector General Koya Praveen from the Kurnool range is overseeing security arrangements.
Despite being merely by-elections for two local body seats, they have garnered significant attention due to the high stakes involved. These by-elections represent a battle of prestige for both the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the opposition YSRCP.
While Jagan aims to solidify his control over Pulivendula, the TDP is striving to penetrate the bastion held by the YS family.
Last year, the TDP-led NDA alliance secured seven out of ten Assembly seats in Jagan’s home district, Kadapa.
The Pulivendula Assembly seat has been a stronghold for the YSR family for nearly five decades, with the family never experiencing defeat since 1978 when Jagan's father, Y. Rajasekhara Reddy (YSR), won his first election.
The need for a bypoll in the Pulivendula ZPTC arose following the passing of YSRCP leader T. Maheshwar Reddy. The YSRCP has nominated his son Hemanth Reddy, while the TDP's candidate is Latha Reddy, spouse of former MLC and the ruling party's Pulivendula constituency head, Mareddy Ravindra Reddy (B Tech Ravi).
Ontimitta is also facing a ZPTC by-poll after its member, YSRCP leader Akepati Amarnath Reddy, resigned following his victory in the Rajampet Assembly election last year.
In Ontimitta, TDP's Muddu Krishna Reddy is competing against YSRCP’s Iragamreddy Subbareddy.
The YSRCP on Monday called for immediate action from the State Election Commission to guarantee fair and transparent elections.
A group of YSRCP leaders met with the State Election Commission to request measures to stop what they termed as "unprecedented subversion of democracy".
Previously, Jagan Mohan Reddy accused Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu of plotting to manipulate the ZPTC by-election.
The former Chief Minister claimed that, in collaboration with certain officials and TDP's disruptive factions, Chandrababu Naidu is attempting to hijack the election.
Point of View
The unfolding events in Kadapa highlight the intense political rivalry between the ruling YSRCP and the opposition TDP. The preventive custody of MP Y.S. Avinash Reddy signifies the lengths to which parties may go to secure electoral advantages. Observers should recognize the importance of these by-elections not only for local governance but also for broader political implications in the region.
NationPress
08/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the by-elections taking place in Kadapa?
The by-elections are for the Pulivendula and Ontimitta Zilla Parishad Territorial Constituencies (ZPTCs) in YSR Kadapa district.
Why was Kadapa MP Y. S. Avinash Reddy taken into custody?
He was taken into preventive custody by police due to the tensions surrounding the polling process.
What is the voter turnout expected for these ZPTC by-elections?
There are 10,600 eligible voters in Pulivendula ZPTC and 24,000 in Ontimitta ZPTC.
What political significance do these by-elections hold?
These by-elections are critical for both the ruling YSRCP and the opposition TDP, as they could alter the political landscape in YSR Kadapa district.
Who are the candidates contesting in the by-elections?
The YSRCP has fielded Hemanth Reddy in Pulivendula, while TDP's candidate is Latha Reddy. In Ontimitta, TDP's Muddu Krishna Reddy is contesting against YSRCP’s Iragamreddy Subbareddy.
