Political Activity Picking Up Ahead of Local Body Polls in Tirupati District
The parties are focusing on identifying strong candidates, assessing their support bases in individual villages, and working out election strategies
TIRUPATI: Political activity is picking up in villages across Tirupati district as local body elections draw closer. The ruling alliance parties and the opposition YSRCP are preparing to contest for control of politics at the grassroots level.
Leaders of the Telugu Desam, Jana Sena and BJP have begun meeting local leaders and cadres. YSRC is also stepping up its organisational activities. The parties are focusing on identifying strong candidates, assessing their support bases in individual villages, and working out election strategies.
The polls will test the political changes that have emerged after the 2024 assembly elections. While the TD-led alliance is in power in the state, the YSRC is seeking to strengthen its village-level network and regain ground. The elections will put to test the alleged differences within the alliance over candidate selection and seat sharing.
Candidate selection is emerging as a key challenge. TD, Jana Sena, and BJP leaders are discussing ways to accommodate their local leaders, while the YSRC is working to retain its village-level network. In several areas, the strength of local leaders could influence the choice of candidates.
Tirupati district has 807 gram panchayats. Elections had been held in 790 panchayats, while polls in 17 got held up due to court cases. The tenure of sarpanches in the 790 panchayats ended on April 2. Electoral rolls for 7,370 wards have been published, with 12,68,039 voters in the district.
The proposed Greater Tirupati plan has added uncertainty. If 63 panchayats from five mandals are merged with the Tirupati Municipal Corporation, it could alter local political equations and areas where leaders are preparing to contest.
On their part, officials are preparing for the local body polls by inspecting polling stations and checking basic facilities. The proposal is to conduct polling in three phases covering the Sullurpet, Srikalahasti, and Tirupati divisions.
Efforts are under way to resolve the court cases involving 17 panchayats, so that elections can be held there too.