Amaravati: The ruling coalition government in Andhra Pradesh suffered a significant setback in the recently concluded local body by-elections, as the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) registered a resounding victory. The party secured 32 out of the 53 contested seats in Zilla Parishads (ZPTCs) and Mandal Parishads (MPTCs), reinforcing its political strength despite facing alleged harassment and political conspiracies.
YSRCP Triumphs Against Odds
The by-elections were held to fill vacancies in 53 local body seats, all of which were previously held by the YSRCP. Despite lacking the numerical advantage, the ruling TDP-BJP-Jana Sena alliance fielded candidates and, according to YSRCP leaders, used the Red Book strategy to manipulate the election process. However, YSRCP’s cadre stood firm, countering alleged political pressure, legal cases, and even reported threats, ultimately securing a dominant win.
TDP and Allies Struggle to Make an Impact
The TDP managed to win only nine seats, but YSRCP leaders allege that these victories were achieved by influencing defectors from their party. Meanwhile, BJP and Jana Sena reportedly leveraged their administrative influence to secure a few MPP positions. Elections in 10 constituencies were postponed due to various reasons.
Political Implications
The YSRCP’s strong performance in the by-elections has sparked discussions about growing public dissatisfaction with the coalition government. With just ten months in power, the ruling alliance is already facing stiff opposition. The YSRCP cadre’s spirited fightback against alleged conspiracies has been widely praised by party supporters, who see this victory as a significant step toward reclaiming political dominance.
