In a major setback to the ruling coalition, the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) emerged victorious in the recently held local body by-elections across Andhra Pradesh.
Braving political pressure, alleged false cases, abductions, and attacks, YSRCP cadres fought back and clinched 32 out of 53 posts that went to polls on Thursday in Zilla Parishads and Mandal Parishads.
Notably, all 53 positions were previously held by the YSRCP but had become vacant due to various reasons, making the by-elections necessary.
Despite lacking numerical strength in some areas, the coalition government fielded candidates and, according to YSRCP, resorted to "Red Book" tactics, conspiracies, and misuse of official power to win.
However, the YSRCP stood firm and countered these alleged efforts with determination. As a result, the TDP managed to win only 9 seats, and even those are said to have been secured by luring YSRCP members.
Meanwhile, BJP and Jana Sena, coalition partners in the government, allegedly used police support to secure one MPP seat each. Elections in 10 constituencies were postponed due to lack of quorum.
The resilience of YSRCP cadres has been widely appreciated, with many calling it a people’s uprising against the “deceptive coalition government,” just ten months into its tenure.