With the Election Commission setting the dates for the Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections, the stage is now set for a fierce political battle between the YSRCP and TDP in the southern state.
The upcoming elections, scheduled for May 13, will see the electorate of Andhra Pradesh casting their votes to elect members to the 16th Legislative Assembly, consisting of 175 constituencies, as well as 25 Lok Sabha members.
The YSRCP, led by Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, is aiming to retain power after securing a significant victory in the last assembly polls, winning 151 seats with nearly 50% of the vote share. In preparation for the upcoming elections, the YSRCP has announced its list of candidates for all 175 Assembly seats and 25 Lok Sabha constituencies, with a focus on allocating 50% of seats to SC, ST, BC, and minority communities.
Jagan Mohan Reddy himself will contest from the Pulivendula Assembly constituency, along with other key candidates selected for crucial constituencies across the state.
On the other hand, the TDP, led by N Chandrababu Naidu, is making efforts to regain power by forming alliances with the NDA, Janasena led by actor Pawan Kalyan, and the BJP. The NDA partners have agreed upon a seat-sharing arrangement, with TDP contesting from 17 Parliamentary and 144 Assembly constituencies, while BJP and Janasena will contest from specific segments.
However, the run-up to the elections has not been without challenges, as discontent among party members over seat distribution has led to internal tensions and signs of rebellion within the TDP ranks.
Meanwhile, the Congress party, led by Y S Sharmila, sister of Jagan Mohan Reddy, has also announced its intention to contest from all 175 Assembly and 25 Lok Sabha seats, aiming to revive its presence in the state's political landscape.
As the election campaign heats up, both the ruling YSRCP and the opposition TDP, along with their respective allies, are gearing up for a fierce battle to secure victory in Andhra Pradesh.
