Andhra Pradesh local body polls: TDP’s political surge redraws political map of Rayalaseema

YSRCP leader and former Minister T.K. Roja in tears after the party’s Vijyapuram MPTC candidate lost the election by three votes, in Nagari of Chittoor district. | Photo Credit: File Photo

The political landscape in Rayalaseema has changed, with the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) emerging as the dominant force in municipal, MPTC, and ZPTC elections across Chittoor, Annamayya, and Sri Sathya Sai districts. The results have dealt a fresh blow to the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), which had enjoyed a sweeping rural dominance in the region during its tenure.

The TDP’s victory is particularly evident in Chittoor and Sri Sathya Sai districts. The party secured 19 ZPTC seats and 202 MPTC seats in Chittoor, while its tally in Sri Sathya Sai stood at 21 ZPTC and 258 MPTC seats.

Annamayya district, however, threw up a different picture. Though the TDP won 15 ZPTC seats against the YSRCP’s six, the opposition managed to edge ahead in the MPTC segment with 69 seats against the TDP’s 68.

The municipal results added to the TDP’s gains. In Chittoor Municipal Corporation, the party captured 51 of the 60 wards, leaving the YSRCP with four. The Jana Sena Party won three and the BJP won one. In Punganur, the TDP secured 27 of the 32 wards declared unanimous, while all 44 wards in Rayachoti were declared unanimous.

For the TDP, the results represent a major expansion of its grassroots footprint. The party has gained ground in areas where the YSRCP had built a formidable local network during its five-year tenure. The poll outcome is also likely to intensify competition among alliance partners over positions in the local bodies.

For the YSRCP, the setback raises questions about its organisational strength beyond Assembly constituencies. The party now faces the challenge of preventing further erosion of its local leadership and reconnecting with rural voters.

The next political battle will be over municipal vice-chairperson posts, MPP, and Zilla Parishad leadership positions. Local equations and alliance negotiations are likely to play a role. With the local bodies changing hands, the political contest in the Rayalaseema region is entering a new phase.

Published - November 09, 2026 06:52 pm IST