The Fortress Crumbles: TDP’s Stunning By-Election Win in Jagan’s Pulivendula

You know, every now and then, politics throws a curveball so wild that you just have to stop and take notice. That's exactly what happened on August 14, 2025, in Andhra Pradesh. The place? Pulivendula, a name that's practically synonymous with YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and his family's political dynasty. But in the recent ZPTC by-election, the people of this supposed fortress delivered a verdict that nobody saw coming, sending a clear message that has echoed all the way to Jagan's Bangalore Palace.

Key Highlights

• ✓ In a massive upset, TDP's Mareddy Latha Reddy won the Pulivendula ZPTC by-election with a huge majority of 6,050 votes.
• ✓ The YSRCP candidate, Hemant Reddy, secured only 685 votes, losing his deposit in what is considered YS Jagan Mohan Reddy's personal stronghold.
• ✓ The final vote count stood at 6,735 for the TDP and just 685 for the YSRCP, a result that sent shockwaves through Andhra Pradesh politics.
• ✓ Voter turnout was remarkably high, with 74% in Pulivendula and 86% in the parallel Ontimitta by-election, indicating strong public engagement.
• ✓ The winner, Latha Reddy, declared that "justice and dharma have won in Pulivendula," framing the victory as a moral one.

In an unbelievable turn of events, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) didn't just win; they absolutely dominated. It wasn't just a political victory; it was a statement, a clear signal from the ground up that the tides might be turning in the heart of YSRCP territory.

A Jaw-Dropping Victory by the Numbers

Let's get right into the numbers because they tell a staggering story. The TDP candidate, Mareddy Latha Reddy, swept the election with an incredible 6,735 votes. Now, here's the kicker: the YSRCP candidate, Hemant Reddy, managed to pull in only 685 votes. That’s not a typo. The final margin of victory for the TDP was a colossal 6,050 votes.

To put that into perspective, in the world of local body elections, a win is a win, but a victory of this magnitude in your opponent's backyard is a political earthquake. The YSRCP didn't just lose; they were completely routed, so much so that their candidate lost the deposit. For those who don't follow the nitty-gritty of elections, losing your deposit is a sign of an absolutely crushing defeat, a humiliating blow for any political party, let alone in its leader's home turf.

The media described it perfectly, saying "the tiger has gone silent in Pulivendula." For decades, this region has been the undisputed kunchukota (fortress) of the YS family. This result isn't just a crack in the wall; it's a full-on breach that has left the YSRCP reeling and TDP supporters celebrating in the streets, turning Pulivendula yellow with their party flags.

💡 What's Interesting: The most stunning takeaway is the sheer scale of the defeat for the YSRCP. Not only did they lose by over 6,000 votes, but their candidate's failure to secure even a deposit in Jagan's own constituency is a powerful symbol of public discontent.

Inside the Counting Process

The day's drama unfolded at the counting center set up at the Maulana Azad National Urdu University in Kadapa. The atmosphere must have been electric with tension and anticipation. Officials had meticulously planned the process to ensure a smooth and transparent count, with results expected by the afternoon.

For the Pulivendula by-election, the counting was conducted across 10 tables in a single round. The parallel by-election for Ontimitta was a bit more extensive, also using 10 tables but requiring about three rounds of counting. The entire operation was a significant undertaking, involving a dedicated team of around 100 personnel. This included 30 supervisors, 60 counting assistants, three assistant statistical officers, and other support staff, with each table manned by a supervisor and two assistants.

Given the high stakes, security was tight. A strong police presence, or 'bandobast', was arranged around the counting center to prevent any untoward incidents. What's also fascinating is the public's investment in this election. Pulivendula saw a robust voter turnout of 74%, while Ontimitta recorded an even more impressive 86%. These high numbers show that people were eager to make their voices heard.

A One-Sided Contest?

Interestingly, one report mentioned that the election became a one-sided affair as the YCP apparently boycotted the counting. While the reasons for a boycott can be complex, doing so often signals a party's protest or a foregone conclusion about the result. In this case, it seems they anticipated the monumental defeat that was coming their way, choosing to stay away rather than face the inevitable outcome head-on.

This only adds another layer to the TDP's victory, making it not just a win in a race but a win by default in the final moments of the count. The main contest was squarely between the TDP and YSRCP candidates, and the result left no doubt about who the people of Pulivendula stood with on this day.

The Political Fallout and What It Signals

This by-election result is far more than just a local administrative change. It's being interpreted as a powerful referendum on the YSRCP's style of governance. TDP supporters and leaders are framing this as a public rejection of what they call "family and axe politics," and an endorsement of the ruling coalition's focus on statewide development.

The winning candidate, Mareddy Latha Reddy, captured this sentiment perfectly in her victory statement. She didn't just thank the voters; she declared, "Justice and dharma have won in Pulivendula." This choice of words elevates the win from a mere political contest to a moral victory, suggesting a restoration of what she and her supporters believe is right for the constituency.

For the YSRCP, this is a moment for deep introspection. The party, which once seemed invincible in its heartland, now has to confront the reality of a massive shift in public mood. The celebrations from the TDP cadre were described as "touching the sky," a clear sign of how significant this win feels to them. It’s a lesson, they say, that should be heard loud and clear by the YSRCP leadership.

Conclusion

So, what’s the bottom line here? The Pulivendula ZPTC by-election of August 2025 will be remembered as a landmark event in Andhra Pradesh politics. It was a day when the unthinkable happened: YS Jagan Mohan Reddy's political fortress was not just challenged but decisively conquered by the TDP. A staggering 6,050-vote majority, a lost deposit for the YSRCP, and a jubilant opposition paint a picture of a dramatic political shift.

This wasn't just about one seat. It was a powerful message from the voters, a story of political accountability delivered directly through the ballot box. It proves that in a democracy, no fortress is truly impregnable, and the voice of the people can, and often does, create the most unexpected earthquakes.