Pulivendula has become the most talked-about political battleground in Andhra Pradesh. All attention is on Pulivendula and Maareddy Lata Reddy, with many wondering if she will become the first woman ZPTC president in the YSR family stronghold.
The Andhra Pradesh Home Minister has responded to allegations that the alliance government is working hand in hand with the Election Commission to weaken YSRCP. Party leaders from YSRCP have strongly accused the alliance government of intimidating voters and creating a climate of fear.
YSRCP MP Avinash Reddy even called on women to make sure the men in their families come out to vote for the party. He urged them to take up the role of poll agents to strengthen YSRCP’s position.
In this charged atmosphere, alliance leaders are asking why Jagan Mohan Reddy appears worried about the bypoll results. Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha questioned what there is to fear if Pulivendula is truly his stronghold. She recalled that in the last two terms, no one dared to file nominations. Now, 11 nominations have been submitted in Pulivendula.
Anitha also pointed out that during the previous ZPTC elections, women had to hide their nomination papers inside their sarees to reach the Election Commission office, only for them to be torn apart in front of officials. Back then, both ZPTC and MPTC polls ended in unanimous wins.
This time, however, the situation has changed. People in Pulivendula are experiencing democracy and confidence like never before. They are openly canvassing and stepping into the elections without fear. “What is YSRCP’s problem now?” Anitha asked, highlighting the shift from a climate of fear to one of participation.
