kiranmai tutika I amaravati

Pulivendula, long held under the political grip of the YS family, has witnessed a historic moment of democratic resurgence. In what many describe as a symbolic reclaiming of political dignity, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) clinched a resounding victory in the Pulivendula ZPTC by-election — a feat considered unimaginable until now.

TDP candidate Mareddy Lata Reddy defeated YSRCP’s Hemant Reddy by a margin of 6,050 votes. The result not only ended the YSRCP’s 30-year dominance but also saw the ruling party lose its deposit — a stinging blow in what was once its most fortified stronghold.

For decades, Pulivendula elections were reduced to rituals without real choice, marked by fear and suppression. This by-election marked a break from the past — voters came out in large numbers (74% turnout) without fear or intimidation. “It was the first real election in living memory,” said a local voter, with some even slipping notes into the ballot box expressing joy at finally being able to vote freely.

Chief Minister and TDP chief N. Chandrababu Naidu called the victory a testament to true democracy. “For the first time in decades, 11 candidates filed nominations without fear. We have rewritten history,” he said, urging party leaders to showcase this as a symbol of public awakening.

TDP leaders emphasized that the win was more than political; it was about restoring democratic space. Nara Lokesh, TDP general secretary, hailed it as the result of years of perseverance. “The people voted without intimidation. They chose progress over regression,” he posted on social media, congratulating both Lata Reddy and Vontimitta ZPTC winner Muddu Krishna Reddy, who defeated his YSRCP rival by 6,267 votes.

Pulivendula, the political home of former Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy and current YSRCP chief Jagan Mohan Reddy, had long been considered untouchable for opposition parties. In past elections, even filing a nomination was seen as a rebellious act. This time, heavy security ensured peaceful polling, and voters exercised their rights freely.

Celebrations erupted across Kadapa district and beyond, with TDP cadres hailing the win as a crack in YSRCP’s once-solid political fortress. Ministers like Savita and Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy, along with MLA B. Tech Ravi, attributed the success to growing public disillusionment with the YSRCP and trust in the coalition government’s welfare initiatives.

Actor-turned-MLA N. Balakrishna called the moment a return to democratic life. “For years, Pulivendula voters were denied the freedom to vote. Today, they have breathed the air of democracy,” he said. More than a by-election, Pulivendula’s verdict is a turning point — a powerful message that fear has given way to freedom, and that democracy has finally returned to where it was once lost.