YSRCP set for unanimous victory in Visakhapatnam MLC election 

TDP decides not to contest 

The Capital News 

 In what appears to be a significant political development, the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) is poised for an uncontested win in the MLC election for Visakhapatnam district local bodies. With the deadline for filing nominations concluding today, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has yet to announce a candidate, signaling a likely unanimous election in favor of the YSRCP. Chief Minister and TDP Chief N Chandrababu Naidu has reportedly opted out of the contest, citing the limited strength of the TDP and its coalition partners in the region.

The decision was reportedly discussed in a teleconference with NDA alliance leaders, who concurred with Naidu’s assessment that withdrawing from the race was the most prudent course of action given the circumstances. The voting body for this election includes GVMC corporators, as well as municipal councillors from Narsipatnam and Yalamanchili, alongside ZPTC and MPTC members. Notably, over 60 percent of these representatives are from the YSRCP, effectively tilting the scales in favor of YSR Congress party.

The TDP’s last-minute deliberations concluded with the party acknowledging its inability to mount a credible challenge, given the overwhelming support for the YSRCP among the electorate. Botsa Satyanarayana, the YSRCP’s candidate filed three sets of nomination papers for the MLC post on Monday. Botsa expressed confidence in his victory, stating that it would have been irresponsible for the TDP to field a candidate given their lack of support.

The TDP’s decision comes on the heels of a recent defeat in the Visakhaptnam municipal Corporation Standing Committee elections, despite their behind-the-scenes maneuvering. The YSRCP, aware of its strong position, has taken precautions to ensure its supporters remain consolidated.

YSRCP leaders, including party chief Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, have engaged directly with party voters, providing reassurances and maintaining party unity. If Botsa Satyanarayana’s nomination is deemed valid today, his election to the MLC post will be finalized without contest.