Chittoor mayoral race heats up as TDP, YSRCP vie for political edge
In Short
Former mayor Hemalatha of TDP faces former deputy mayor Chandrasekhar of YSRCP
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Chittoor mayoral race heats up as TDP, YSRCP vie for political edge
Tirupati: The Chittoor mayoral contest is turning into a test of the TDP-led alliance’s electoral strength and YSRCP’s ability to capitalise on local discontent, with former mayor Katari Hemalatha and former deputy mayor R Chandrasekhar in the fray.
The Telugu Desam-led alliance is banking on development works, its strong performance in the 2024 Assembly elections and Hemalatha’s local connections to secure the mayor’s post. YSRCP, meanwhile, is hoping to exploit resentment among residents affected by road-widening works and differences within the ruling alliance.
TDP MLA Gurajala Jagan Mohan secured a majority of 14,604 votes in 2024 Assembly elections, including a lead of around 11,500 votes in Chittoor city. Alliance leaders believe this advantage could translate into a bigger margin in the mayoral contest, citing road widening, urban development and improved civic administration.
Hemalatha is also counting on support from women voters, members of Ediga community to which she belongs, and sections of Balija community.
Her experience as mayor and longstanding contacts across the city are expected to strengthen her campaign.
Her family has maintained a strong presence in Chittoor politics for years. Her father-in-law, Mohan, built a network in the city, helping the family retain its influence even when former MLA CK Babu was dictating terms in local politics.
Hemalatha became mayor following the murder of Anuradha, the corporation’s first mayor.
During her tenure, she maintained contacts across the corporation’s 60 divisions and cultivated relationships with residents and leaders cutting across party lines. She continued her political activities after the death of her husband, Praveen, during the Covid pandemic.
The alliance, however, faces the challenge of managing discontent among leaders who were disappointed over Hemalatha’s selection.
MLA Jagan Mohan has reportedly been holding discussions with them and assuring them of suitable roles in the party and government if she wins. Some leaders are yet to withdraw their objections. The participation of former MLA CK Babu’s supporters in the campaign could strengthen the alliance’s prospects. However, Babu’s wife, Lavanya, was among the key aspirants for the party ticket and was disappointed at being overlooked. Whether she and her supporters actively participate in the campaign remains to
be seen.
YSRCP is seeking to mobilise residents who suffered property losses or other hardships due to road-widening works. It is also hoping that differences among alliance leaders will result in cross-voting. Chandrasekhar’s candidature is expected to help the party consolidate support among the Vannekula Kshatriya community.
The previous corporation elections could also become a campaign issue. The TDP had accused the then ruling YSRCP of intimidation and irregularities, including alleged forgery of signatures on nomination withdrawal papers and pressure on opposition candidates.
