Pulivendula ZPTC by-election results have shocked the political landscape. YSRCP chief Jagan Mohan Reddy faced a crushing blow as his candidate failed to secure a win in his home constituency.
In the by-election held on August 12th, out of 11 candidates, TDP’s Mareddy Latha Reddy claimed a landslide victory with a majority of 6,033 votes. Her closest rival, YSRCP’s Hemanth Reddy, lost his deposit by receiving only 683 votes.
The YSR Congress is already trying to explain the defeat. Party leaders suggest it happened due to alleged rigging, claiming it has nothing to do with voter sentiment. Previously, they blamed EVM manipulation for potential losses in 2024.
If the party continues relying on such reasons, it may backfire. Even if rigging occurred, it would only account for 10-20 percent. Complete manipulation is unlikely in a state with strict law enforcement and media scrutiny.
Incidents on polling day were expected since all booths were flagged as problematic by the Election Commission. Receiving only 683 votes indicates strong anti-incumbency sentiment, even in villages where Jagan Mohan Reddy has numerous relatives and connections.
Many supporters who campaigned with Avinash Reddy and Satish Reddy did not turn out to vote. The scale of the defeat suggests that people remain dissatisfied with YSR Congress. A narrow loss would have been understandable, but this is a humiliating rejection.
Government welfare schemes and allowing long-time non-voters to cast their vote freely contributed to TDP’s decisive win. Pulivendula’s electorate clearly chose change over the ruling party.
It is high time YSR Congress reflects on its strategy. Continued blame on EVMs and rigging prevents the party from understanding the real reasons behind this electoral setback.
