How Did TDP Secure the Pulivendula and Ontimitta ZPTC Seats on Jagan's Home Turf?
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Synopsis
In a surprising turn of events, the TDP has managed to capture the Pulivendula and Ontimitta ZPTC seats, traditionally held by the YSR family. This unprecedented victory raises questions about the future of YSR Congress Party. What does this mean for the political landscape in YSR Kadapa?
Key Takeaways
- Telugu Desam Party wins Pulivendula and Ontimitta ZPTC seats.
- A historic change in a region dominated by the YSR family.
- Polling allegations by YSRCP raise questions about election integrity.
- Significant voter turnouts indicate active public engagement.
- Implications for future elections in Andhra Pradesh.
Amaravati, Aug 14 (NationPress) In a significant blow to YSR Congress Party president and former Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, the ruling Telugu Desam Party has successfully secured the Pulivendula and Ontimitta ZPTC seats within his home district of YSR Kadapa.
By making substantial inroads into the YSR family's stronghold, the ruling party achieved a commanding victory in the by-elections for the Pulivendula and Ontimitta Zilla Parishad Territorial Constituencies (ZPTCs).
The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) also maintained a lead in the Ontimitta ZPTC as vote counting progressed, despite a boycott from the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) that alleged electoral malpractices during the polling conducted on Tuesday and called for a re-election in both areas.
In Pulivendula, TDP candidate Latha Reddy triumphed over Hemanth Reddy from YSRCP with a notable margin of 6,035 votes.
Latha Reddy, the spouse of former MLC and the TDP's Pulivendula constituency in-charge, Mareddy Ravindra Reddy (B Tech Ravi), garnered 6,716 votes, whereas the YSRCP candidate managed only 683 votes.
The Congress and eight independent candidates collectively secured fewer than 100 votes.
Approximately 74 percent voter turnout was recorded in Pulivendula ZPTC, which is home to 10,600 voters.
The by-election for Pulivendula ZPTC arose from the passing of ZPTC member T. Maheshwar Reddy from YSRCP, whose son, Hemanth Reddy, contested for the seat.
This election marked the first polling in 30 years, as candidates supported by the YSR family had previously won the seat uncontested. The TDP-led NDA referred to the election process as a 'restoration of democracy'.
The Pulivendula Assembly seat has been a stronghold for the YSR family for nearly five decades, with no defeats since 1978 when Jagan's father, former Chief Minister Y. Rajasekhara Reddy (YSR), won the initial election from this constituency.
The TDP also clinched the Ontimitta ZPTC seat by a margin of 6,267 votes. TDP's Muddu Krishna Reddy received 12,780 votes while the YSRCP's Iragamreddy Subbareddy obtained 6,513 votes.
This constituency, with a total of 24,000 voters, experienced an impressive 86 percent voter turnout.
The by-election for Ontimitta was triggered by the resignation of its member, Akepati Amarnath Reddy of YSRCP, after his victory in last year's Rajampet Assembly election.
Vote counting commenced at 8 a.m. at the Maulana Azad National Urdu University polytechnic in Kadapa town.
Claiming widespread voting irregularities, the YSRCP boycotted the counting process.
The YSRCP accused the TDP of booth capturing, rigging, and other electoral misconduct, demanding the annulment of the elections and a fresh poll.
On Wednesday, Jagan Mohan Reddy called for a new election for the Pulivendula and Ontimitta ZPTCs, insisting on supervision by Central forces to ensure fairness, labeling the August 12 polling a 'mockery of democracy'.
He claimed that all YSRCP polling agents were expelled, and their forms and slips were seized and destroyed.
He further stated that YSRCP candidates would pursue legal action to annul the elections.
In the meantime, S. Savitha, Minister for Backward Classes Welfare, hailed the TDP's victory as a triumph for democracy in Pulivendula, declaring, 'Pulivendula will celebrate Independence, just a day before Independence Day'.
She expressed confidence that the TDP would seize Jagan's stronghold in the next Assembly elections.
Point of View
It is crucial to remain impartial while reporting on political dynamics. The recent victories of TDP in Pulivendula and Ontimitta ZPTC seats symbolize a shift in voter sentiment. While the YSR family has historically dominated this region, the TDP's success indicates potential changes in the political landscape of Andhra Pradesh. The allegations of electoral malpractice by YSRCP highlight the ongoing tensions in the state's political arena.
NationPress
08/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the by-elections in Pulivendula and Ontimitta?
The by-elections were necessitated due to the death of the ZPTC member T. Maheshwar Reddy from YSRCP and the resignation of Akepati Amarnath Reddy after winning the Rajampet Assembly election.
What was the voter turnout for the elections?
Pulivendula ZPTC recorded approximately 74 percent voter turnout, while Ontimitta saw an impressive 86 percent.
What are the allegations made by YSRCP regarding the elections?
YSRCP alleged booth capturing, vote rigging, and other electoral malpractices, demanding a re-poll supervised by Central forces.
Who won the Pulivendula ZPTC seat?
TDP candidate Latha Reddy won the Pulivendula ZPTC seat by a margin of 6,035 votes.
What does this victory signify for TDP?
This victory represents a significant breakthrough for TDP in an area traditionally held by the YSR family, suggesting shifting political dynamics in the region.
