Campaign intensifies in Puttaparthi, Dharmavaram as elections approach

The municipal elections in Dharmavaram and Puttaparthi have thrown a litmus test of political strength in Sri Sathya Sai district, with the ruling NDA seeking to consolidate its position, while the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) attempting to defend its local influence. Tensions during nominations in Dharmavaram and an increasingly intense campaign in Puttaparthi have brought the rivalry into sharp focus.

Dharmavaram came under a tense start to the nomination process on October 16, when supporters of the TDP and YSRCP clashed near the municipal office. Police resorted to a lathicharge to disperse the rival groups after a heated confrontation turned into stone-pelting. Over a thousand cadres of both sides gathered near the nomination centre, prompting additional security deployment.

Meanwhile, Puttaparthi presented a different political picture. The TDP-led alliance and YSRCP have stepped up campaigning, with candidates reaching out to voters through neighbourhood visits and promises to address civic problems.

The alliance backed Jana Sena Party (JSP) candidate Mekala Eswar for the chairperson’s post, with local MLA Palle Sindhura Reddy and former Minister Palle Raghunath Reddy campaigning in his support. Mr. Eswar has promised to prioritise drainage and drinking water problems, while YSRCP candidate Boya Vanam Avinash has also intensified his campaign, making the contest a direct test of the opposition’s local appeal.

Published - October 28, 2026 08:30 pm IST