How Did TDP Secure Pulivendula ZPTC, Challenging Jagan's Stronghold?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a major political shift, the Telugu Desam Party has overturned decades of dominance by the YSR family in Pulivendula by winning the ZPTC seat. The implications are vast as the TDP's Latha Reddy defeats YSRCP's Hemanth Reddy in a surprising turn of events. Can this mark the beginning of a new era in Andhra Pradesh politics?
Key Takeaways
- TDP's victory signifies potential change in Andhra Pradesh politics.
- Latha Reddy wins by a significant margin in Pulivendula.
- 74% voter turnout indicates strong public engagement.
- Allegations of electoral fraud from YSRCP highlight ongoing tensions.
- Future Assembly elections may see a shift in voter loyalty.
Amaravati, Aug 14 (NationPress) In a significant blow to the YSR Congress Party, the Telugu Desam Party successfully captured the Pulivendula ZPTC seat, located in the home turf of former Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy.
The TDP triumphed in the by-election for the Pulivendula Zilla Parishad Territorial Constituency (ZPTC) with an impressive margin, marking a substantial breakthrough in what is regarded as the stronghold of the YSR family.
As vote counting progressed, the TDP was also ahead in Ontimitta ZPTC, amidst a boycott by the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), which alleged electoral misconduct during the polling conducted on Tuesday and called for a re-election in both constituencies.
In Pulivendula, TDP candidate Latha Reddy defeated Hemanth Reddy of YSRCP by a margin of 6,035 votes.
Latha Reddy, the spouse of former MLC and the ruling party’s Pulivendula constituency in-charge, Mareddy Ravindra Reddy (B Tech Ravi), garnered 6,716 votes, while the YSRCP candidate received a mere 683 votes.
The Congress candidate and eight independent candidates collectively secured less than 100 votes. Approximately 74 percent voter turnout was recorded in Pulivendula ZPTC, which comprises 10,600 voters.
The bypoll for Pulivendula ZPTC was prompted by the passing of ZPTC member T. Maheshwar Reddy from YSRCP, with the opposition party fielding his son, Hemanth Reddy.
This election marked the first polling in three decades, as candidates supported by the YSR family had been winning the seat uncontested. The TDP-led NDA characterized the election process as a restoration of democracy.
Minister for Backward Classes Welfare S. Savitha hailed the TDP’s victory as a triumph for democracy in Pulivendula, stating, "Pulivendula will celebrate Independence Day just a day before the official holiday."
She expressed confidence that the TDP would seize Jagan’s stronghold in the upcoming Assembly elections.
For nearly five decades, the Pulivendula Assembly seat has been a bastion for the YSR family, with no election losses since 1978, when Jagan's father, former Chief Minister Y. Rajasekhara Reddy (YSR), claimed his first victory from this constituency.
In Ontimitta ZPTC, the TDP was leading by a significant margin of over 3,000 votes. TDP's Muddu Krishna Reddy received 6,270 votes, while YSRCP's Iragamreddy Subbareddy managed 3,165 votes.
This constituency, with a total of 24,000 voters, observed an impressive 86 percent turnout.
The need for a bypoll in Ontimitta arose after its member, Akepati Amarnath Reddy of YSRCP, resigned following his victory in the Rajampet Assembly elections last year.
Vote counting commenced at 8 a.m. at the Maulana Azad National Urdu University polytechnic in Kadapa town.
A total of 100 officials, including 30 supervisors, 60 counting assistants, and three assistant statistical officers, were assigned to oversee the counting process.
Accusing the TDP of widespread irregularities, the YSRCP boycotted the counting, claiming the TDP engaged in booth capturing, rigging, and other electoral malpractices. They demanded the polling be annulled and a re-election conducted.
On Wednesday, Jagan Mohan Reddy called for fresh elections for the Pulivendula and Ontimitta ZPTCs under the supervision of Central forces to ensure fairness, referring to the polling on August 12 as a ‘mockery of democracy’.
He alleged that all YSRCP polling agents were expelled along with party supporters, whose forms and slips were seized and destroyed.
Additionally, he announced that YSRCP candidates would seek legal intervention to annul the election results.
Point of View
The recent victory of the Telugu Desam Party in Pulivendula reflects a significant shift in voter sentiment in Andhra Pradesh. The stronghold of the YSR family has been challenged, indicating potential changes in the political dynamics of the region. As the nation watches closely, this event could have long-lasting implications for future elections and party strategies.
NationPress
08/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the primary reason for the Pulivendula by-election?
The by-election for Pulivendula ZPTC was necessitated by the death of ZPTC member T. Maheshwar Reddy of YSRCP.
What was the voter turnout in Pulivendula ZPTC?
Approximately 74 percent voter turnout was recorded in Pulivendula ZPTC.
Who was the winning candidate for Pulivendula ZPTC?
The TDP candidate Latha Reddy won the Pulivendula ZPTC by-election.
What allegations were made by YSRCP during the elections?
YSRCP alleged booth capturing, rigging, and other electoral malpractices during the elections.
How long has the YSR family held the Pulivendula seat?
The YSR family has not lost the Pulivendula seat since 1978.
