Jagan Mohan Reddy, the chief of YSR Congress Party, has been making a bold political statement by ignoring police instructions during his public meetings in Palnadu, Anantapur, and Nellore. These massive gatherings seem aimed at showcasing his enduring ability to mobilize crowds despite recent political setbacks.
Now, all eyes are on Pulivendula, Jagan’s ancestral home and former stronghold, where the upcoming ZPTC by-elections have taken on major political significance. With Pulivendula and nearby Ontimitta heading into heated contests, both YSRCP and TDP are pushing hard to claim local dominance. For the first time in years, 11 nominations have been filed in a region where opposition used to hesitate to contest.
In Pulivendula, the TDP has nominated Maareddy Lata Reddy, wife of former MLC Btech Ravi, while YSRCP has fielded Tummala Hemanth Reddy. Congress enters the fray with Moyilla Sivakalyan Reddy. Alongside these key players, eight independents are also contesting, indicating a visible shift in the local political tide.
Ontimitta presents a similar scene. TDP’s Addamuru Muddukrishna Reddy is up against YSRCP’s Iragamreddy Subbareddy and Congress candidate Pula Vijayabhaskar. Even here, eight independents have joined the race, bringing the total to 11 candidates—just like in Pulivendula.
The ruling TDP is treating this bypoll as a prestige battle, with full backing from its double-engine government. With nomination withdrawals closing on August 5 and polling set for August 12, the stage is set for an intense political showdown.
Given Pulivendula’s symbolic value for Jagan, TDP’s strategy of fielding a well-known face like Maareddy Lata Reddy has stirred considerable public interest. The rise in nominations—from none to 10—signals clear resistance to YSRCP’s hold. TDP has accused YSRCP of threatening opposition candidates, while YSRCP alleges blackmail, escalating the tension.
Election officials are ramping up poll preparations. Polling officers are being trained, checkposts established at village entry points, and live webcasting equipment is being set up. Security is tight, with police conducting flag marches and drones monitoring sensitive areas in Pulivendula and Ontimitta mandals.
