Currently, the YSR Congress holds over 80% of local bodies, a majority it gained after coming to power in 2019 often criticised as being achieved through strong-arm tactics. The upcoming elections will be the party's first test after its defeat in the 2024 Assembly elections.

Though Jagan Mohan Reddy still draws large crowds during his public appearances, the same energy is missing when he is not present. This has raised concerns within the party.

Initially confident, YSR Congress is now on the back foot after disappointing results in the recent Pulivendula and Vontimitta ZPTC by-elections. These setbacks have led the party to reconsider whether it should contest the upcoming polls at all.

YSR Congress has already raised allegations of EVM tampering during the recent Assembly elections. Sources suggest that if the party senses defeat, it may boycott the local body elections, citing concerns about EVMs or demanding deployment of Central Forces.

While the party may frame its decision as a matter of electoral integrity, public perception is likely to be that YSR Congress avoided the elections out of fear of defeat.

Following its defeat in 2019, the TDP did contest the Panchayat and Municipal elections, where YSR Congress won most seats using what the opposition claimed was misuse of government machinery.

In the MPTC and ZPTC polls, TDP candidates were reportedly blocked from even filing nominations. YSR Congress won 24% of MPTCs and 19% of ZPTCs unopposed. TDP later withdrew from the elections, even though ballots had already been printed. Despite this, it still managed to win three MPTCs.

The upcoming local body elections could prove decisive for both parties, shaping the next political chapter in Andhra Pradesh.

Tags: Andhra NewsYSRCP

Sridhar RaaviSridhar is a highly experienced hand in Telugu politics, writing and analyzing political happenings in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. An IT engineer turned news junkie, Sridhar has a sharp eye for catching news as it unfo…