The upcoming local body elections in Andhra Pradesh are putting political families back in the spotlight. From Anantapur to Vijayawada and Eluru, the names of leaders’ sons and daughters are emerging in discussions over key posts.
In Anantapur district, TDP leader Paritala Sriram is reportedly being considered for the Zilla Parishad chairman post. His mother, Paritala Sunitha, represents the Raptadu Assembly constituency. If the reports materialise, the move could strengthen the Paritala family’s influence in the district while giving the TDP another prominent face to mobilise its cadre. However, the party’s final decision will depend on local equations and the selection process.
In Vijayawada, YSRCP leader Devineni Avinash is reportedly being considered for the mayor candidate role. As the son of former minister Devineni Nehru, Avinash carries an established political legacy. The reported move could be an attempt by the YSRCP to put forward a familiar local face and challenge Vangaveeti Radha in the city. But the choice also carries political significance because Avinash has faced electoral defeats, including in the 2024 Assembly election from Vijayawada East. The party will need to weigh his name against its wider electoral strategy and the need to rebuild its organisation.
Eluru presents another example of political families seeking important local positions. The daughter of Denduluru MLA Chintamaneni Prabhakar is reportedly interested in contesting for the Zilla Parishad chairperson post. She has reportedly expressed her willingness to contest if the party gives her a ticket. Parvathavani, wife of former Eluru MP Maganti Babu, is also said to be seeking the same position. The competing claims highlight the challenge parties face in balancing family influence, loyalty and local support while selecting candidates.
With several prominent families seeking key positions, candidate selection could become an important test for parties to balance political legacy with local acceptance.
