In a significant political upset, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has clinched a historic victory in the Pulivendula Zilla Parishad Territorial Constituency (ZPTC) by-election, an area long regarded as the unassailable bastion of the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP). TDP’s M. Latha Reddy emerged victorious with a commanding margin of approximately 6,035 votes, defeating YSRCP’s Hemanth Reddy, who managed just 683 votes, resulting in the loss of his election deposit. Over 74% of the electorate turned out to vote, signaling a spirited exercise in democracy.
The venue for the vote counting, set up at Maulana Azad National Urdu University in Kadapa, saw TDP supporters burst into celebratory mood soon after results were declared. The win marks the first time in decades that the YSR family has suffered a local defeat in Pulivendula, a seat they’ve held unchallenged since 1978.
This by-election was prompted by the untimely death of former ZPTC member Maheshwar Reddy in 2023, after which the YSRCP fielded his son, Hemanth Reddy, hoping to capitalize on voter sympathy. In response, TDP fielded Latha Reddy, spouse of Pulivendula TDP in-charge and former MLC B. Tech Ravi, turning the contest into a highly visible prestige battle.
The campaign proved contentious, with both parties heavily investing in ground mobilization and high-profile campaigning. Tensions occasionally escalated, prompting heightened security measures at polling booths. YSRCP also filed petitions alleging electoral misconduct and voted to boycott the counting, demanding a re-poll.
Key Highlights:
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Winner | M. Latha Reddy (TDP) |
| Margin | ~6,035 votes |
| Loser | Hemanth Reddy (YSRCP) — ~683 votes; lost deposit |
| Voter Turnout | ~74% |
| Historical Significance | First TDP win in Pulivendula ZPTC in decades; breaks YSRCP stronghold |
| Trigger | By-election due to death of former ZPTC member, Maheshwar Reddy (YSRCP) |
| Political Dynamics | Emotional appeals vs. prestige battle; both sides engaged intensively |
| Legal Fallout | YSRCP challenged procedures and demanded re-poll; counting boycotted |
Summary:
The TDP’s win in Pulivendula ZPTC by-election is more than just a local victory—it signifies a dramatic political shift in what was long considered the unyielding stronghold of the YSR family. It demonstrates growing political momentum for the TDP and underscores the changing mood of voters in Andhra Pradesh.