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Politics Heats Up in Tirupati As Deputy Mayor Bypoll Gets Closer

Tirupati: With the notification for the by-elections to deputy mayor’s positions in Tirupati, Nellore, and two other seats out, all eyes are now on the high-stakes contest scheduled for February 3.

The need for a by-election in Tirupati arose when Bhumana Abhinay Reddy of the YSRC resigned from his post to contest for the Tirupati Assembly seat in the 2024 general elections. His resignation set the stage for a fierce battle with the YSRC determined to retain the critical municipal post.

Bhumana Karunakar Reddy, the YSRC district president and a former MLA, is taking care of strategising and execution of the party’s efforts for the by-election.

Political landscape in the Tirupati Municipal Corporation has significantly shifted following the change in government in the state. Several YSRC corporators have defected to the NDA while more are in the line to switch. The YSRC had secured 48 out of 50 divisions, with the Telugu Desam winning just one. However, following the loss of a YSRC corporator and Abhinay’s resignation, the party's corporator count has dropped to 47.

As the by-election draws near, camp politics has come to the forefront in Tirupati. The YSRC has officially nominated 42nd division corporator Shekhar Reddy as its candidate for the post.

A senior NDA leader stated that the momentum is shifting in their favour. “We are in touch with over 22 corporators who are dissatisfied with YSRC’s leadership. Many have already pledged their support for us on voting day. While the YSRC is desperately trying to manage them, it’s clear that the writing is on the wall,” he claimed.

The loyalty of the corporators has become a crucial factor in this contest. While YSRC claims support from 33 corporators, the position of the eight neutral corporators could prove decisive. To prevent defections, YSRC has issued a whip, warning of strict action against those who violate party discipline. In a strategic move, the party has reportedly relocated its corporators to another state, with plans to bring them back for the election on February 3.

Meanwhile, YSRC leaders have accused the NDA of attempting to intimidate and lure corporators in order to weaken their position in Tirupati. Karunakar Reddy alleged that NDA leaders threatened Shekhar Reddy, warning him against contesting. “YSRC will not be intimidated by these threats. The party will respond appropriately,” Bhumana asserted, expressing confidence in Shekhar Reddy's victory.

Among the ex-officio members, Jana Sena MLA Arani Srinivasulu has supported the NDA while YSRC MP M. Gurumurthy and MLC C. Subramanyam stand firmly with the party.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission has confirmed that there will be an open ballot while the NDA is pushing for secret voting. In preparation for the vote, the YSRC has reportedly moved its corporators to another state to prevent poaching. The party will bring the members back on February 3.

( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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