The nomination process for municipal elections in Andhra Pradesh has ended with the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) failing to find candidates in several municipalities and wards. While the party has accused the ruling coalition of obstructing its candidates, its failure to enter the contest in several areas has raised questions about its grassroots strength.
In Palnadu district, the YSRCP did not file a single nomination in Gurazala. In Piduguralla, its chairman candidate, Shaik Abdullah, lost his chance to contest after arriving at the election office 20 minutes after the 3 pm deadline. Election officials refused to accept his nomination, stating that they had followed the prescribed rules.
The party also failed to file nominations in Punganur and Rayachoti in Annamayya district. In Darsi in Prakasam district, the YSRCP chairman candidate and 25 councillor candidates reportedly missed the deadline and could not submit their nomination papers.
Kadapa Municipal Corporation also witnessed limited competition in several wards. In some divisions, only TDP candidates filed nominations, giving the ruling coalition an advantage.
Nomination Figures Raise Questions
Statewide figures cited in election reports show that the TDP filed 8,774 nominations, while the YSRCP submitted 8,128. The Jana Sena Party filed 1,526 nominations, and other candidates submitted 4,410. The total number of nominations stood at 22,838.
These figures show that the YSRCP managed to file thousands of nominations across Andhra Pradesh. However, its absence from several local contests has fuelled questions about its candidate selection and organisational strength.
The party has blamed the government and election machinery for the difficulties faced by its candidates. However, the statewide figures alone cannot rule out individual cases of obstruction.
The YSRCP now faces the challenge of rebuilding confidence among local leaders and party workers. Its performance in the municipal elections will depend on how effectively it addresses these gaps and mobilises candidates at the grassroots level.
