Andhra Pradesh: YSRC Party Faces Mass Exodus in Nellore

 Tirupati: The political dynamics in Nellore district are undergoing a dramatic transformation following the 2024 elections. The YSRC, which suffered a resounding defeat in both Assembly and Lok Sabha polls, is now grappling with a widespread defection of its key leaders and party workers to the victorious Telugu Desam (TD).

High-profile defections have rocked the YSRC, including Rajya Sabha member Beeda Masthan Rao and former MLC Balli Kalyan Chakravarthy. The exodus has intensified at the local level, particularly in Nellore city, where numerous corporators are seeking to join the TD ranks.

The epicentre of this political realignment is the Nellore Rural constituency, currently represented by three-time MLA Kotamreddy Sridhar Reddy. The noticeable absence of YSRC leader Adala Prabhakar Reddy since the 2024 elections has drawn criticism from party cadres. Many who previously condemned Kotamreddy for defecting to TD before the elections are now looking to follow suit, especially after his hat-trick victory in the recent polls.

Kotamreddy Sridhar, now the TD MLA for Nellore Rural, has emerged as a key figure in this transition. Sources indicate that about 11 corporators from the Nellore Municipal Corporation have approached him to switch parties. Of these, three corporators—Peneti Sudhakar (17th Division), T. Ashok Kumar (18th), and Shaik Fahmida (34th)—have received a positive response, while decisions on the others are pending.

During an event held at Kotamreddy's office on Sunday, the three corporators, along with other YSRC leaders, officially joined the TD. Addressing the gathering, MLA Sridhar Reddy assured those joining the TD of his support. He revealed that numerous other YSRC corporators have expressed interest in joining, but their inclusion would be decided after consulting with local TD leaders.

Kotamreddy expressed confidence in replicating past electoral successes in the local body elections, aiming to secure various positions under the Nellore Rural segment. However, he emphasised that ethical standards would not be compromised, stating, "There's absolutely no question of accepting corporators involved in illegal activities."

Sources revealed that several YSRC corporators, feeling marginalised, are now considering the TD as a more favourable political option. Capitalising on this shift, the TD is manoeuvring to gain control of the Nellore Municipal Corporation. The ruling party is reportedly taking steps to revoke a previous YSRC government resolution that had blocked no-confidence motions against the Mayor for four years, further consolidating its influence in the area.