For the YSRCP, retaining Pulivendula is critical not only to maintain its grip on a historic stronghold but also to counter narratives of declining influence following recent electoral losses.
Published Aug 12, 2025 | 1:51 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 12, 2025 | 1:51 PM
Tempers are running high in Pulivendula as both the YSRCP and TDP are locked in a fierce, prestigious battle. (Screengrab)
Synopsis: To ensure a peaceful polling, the district administration deployed approximately 1,500 police personnel across critical areas. Sensitive polling stations were sealed off, and several political leaders from both parties were either placed under house arrest or taken into preventive custody to avert clashes. The administration’s measures reflected the high stakes of the bypoll, particularly in Pulivendula, a region synonymous with the YS family’s political legacy.
Tension prevailed across Pulivendula and other parts of YSR Kadapa district on Tuesday, 12 August, as polling commenced for two Zilla Parishad Territorial Constituency (ZPTC) by-elections, the other being Vontimitta.
The contests, particularly in Pulivendula, have evolved into a prestigious battle for the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) and Telugu Desam Party (TDP), with both parties pulling out all stops to assert dominance in this politically charged region.
The atmosphere in Pulivendula remained tense from the early hours. In a dramatic turn, police detained Kadapa MP and YSRCP leader YS Avinash Reddy at his residence, sparking outrage among his supporters.
Avinash Reddy protested the action, arguing that detaining a sitting Member of Parliament was inappropriate and politically motivated. His supporters gathered in solidarity, but the police swiftly dispersed the crowd to maintain order.
In a parallel move, TDP MLC Ramgopal Reddy was detained at his home in Pulivendula as part of preventive measures to curb potential unrest. Visibly shaken, Ramgopal Reddy voiced strong objections to his detention before being placed under house arrest.
To ensure a peaceful polling process, the district deployed approximately 1,500 police personnel across critical areas. Sensitive polling stations were sealed off, and several political leaders from both parties were either placed under house arrest or taken into preventive custody to avert clashes. The administration’s measures reflected the high stakes of the bypoll, particularly in Pulivendula, a region synonymous with the YS family’s political legacy.
The Pulivendula ZPTC bypoll carries significance far beyond its administrative scope. As the ancestral stronghold of the YS family — which includes the late YS Rajasekhara Reddy, a former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, and his son, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, the current YSRCP president and former Chief Minister — Pulivendula is a symbolic heartland for the YSRCP. The outcome of this bypoll is widely seen as a referendum on the party’s grassroots strength, especially following its setbacks in recent assembly elections.
The YSRCP has fielded T Hemanth Reddy, son of the late Tummala Maheshwar Reddy, whose death led to the bypoll. The TDP, aiming to challenge the YSRCP’s dominance, has nominated Mareddy Latha Reddy.
Both parties unleashed aggressive campaigning, with senior leaders from across the state descending on Pulivendula to mobilise voters. The intense campaign efforts highlight the symbolic weight of the contest, with the YSRCP fighting to preserve its legacy and the TDP seeking to deliver a blow to its rival’s morale.
In addition to Pulivendula, polling for another ZPTC seat in Vontimitta, also within YSR Kadapa district, is taking place simultaneously. The voter base for the two constituencies is estimated at 10,600 in Pulivendula and 21,000 in Vontimitta, with a total of 22 candidates contesting across both seats. These candidates represent the YSRCP, TDP, Congress, and several independents, adding to the competitive nature of the elections.
The State Election Commission implemented extensive arrangements to ensure a smooth and transparent polling process. Voter slips were distributed, and critical polling booths were equipped with webcasting and CCTV surveillance to monitor proceedings. Micro-observers were deployed at stations without live feeds to maintain oversight. Additional facilities, including drinking water, basic medical aid, and transport for election staff, were provided to facilitate voters and officials alike.
The YSRCP approached the Andhra Pradesh High Court with requests to relocate certain polling stations and seek relief for leaders facing FIRs related to alleged campaign violence. However, the court declined to shift the polling centers, offering only limited relief to the affected leaders, further intensifying the political drama.
For the YSRCP, retaining Pulivendula is critical not only to maintain its grip on a historic stronghold but also to counter narratives of declining influence following recent electoral losses. A victory here would reinforce the party’s organizational strength and reaffirm its connection with voters in the YS family’s bastion.
Conversely, a TDP win in Pulivendula would be a significant upset for the YSRCP. For TDP, a win would signal its ability to penetrate YSRCP strongholds.
While ZPTC positions typically focus on local development and panchayat-level governance, the Pulivendula bypoll has transcended its modest scope. The result is likely to be interpreted as a barometer of party organisation, voter sentiment, and regional dominance.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
