Giving a big boost to the demoralized YSRCP cadre, it has emerged triumphant in the local body bye-elections
held on Friday. The party clinched 30 out of 52 seats, dealing a significant blow to the NDA coalition of the TDP and Jana Sena Party, which managed to secure only 11 and 1 seats, respectively.
Elections were held for the posts of one Zilla Parishad Chairman, 24 MPPs, and 17 Vice MPPs in the state due to various reasons. With elections in 10 seats postponed, the results raised questions about the NDA’s governance and YSRCP’s enduring grassroots appeal. The local body elections, often seen as a barometer of public sentiment at the grassroots level, have painted a complex picture of Andhra Pradesh’s political landscape.
YSRCP’s victory, though not as sweeping as their 2021 performance, where they secured a staggering 99.95% of seats, demonstrates that the party remains a formidable force despite its loss in the 2024 Assembly elections.
For the NDA, which rode a wave of anti-incumbency against YSRCP to power in 2024, the results are a sobering reminder of the challenges they face in consolidating their mandate at the local level.
The YSRCP’s success in bagging 30 seats, translating to approximately 58% of the contested seats, underscores the party’s deep-rooted connection with rural voters. However, the party’s performance is not without its caveats.
The drop from a near- total sweep in 2021 to 58% in 2025
suggests that YSRCP’s support base, while robust, is not impervious to erosion. The 2024 Assembly election loss, coupled with criticisms of economic stagnation and the controversial three- capitals proposal during their tenure, may have dented their appeal among some sections of the electorate.
Nevertheless, this victory provides a much- needed morale boost for the YSRCP as it seeks to rebuild and reclaim its position in the state.
For the ruling NDA coalition, comprising the TDP, Jana Sena, and BJP, the local body election results are nothing short of a jolt. The TDP, led by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, secured 11 seats, while Jana Sena, under Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, managed a paltry 1 seat.
The NDA’s underwhelming showing comes less than a year after their landslide victory in the 2024 Assembly elections, where they collectively won 164 out of 175 seats (TDP: 147, Jana Sena: 21, BJP: 8). This stark contrast has led to speculation about whether the alliance is facing early anti- incumbency or a deeper disconnect with the grassroots.
These results reflects the TDP faces challenges in reclaiming
its historical dominance at the grassroots level. Despite Chandrababu Naidu’s reputation as a development-oriented
leader, his focus on long- term projects, such as the revival of
Amaravati as the state capital, may not resonate with rural voters who prioritise immediate benefits over grand visions. For the NDA, the results are a wake-up call.
