Pulivendula Rural ZPTC byelection turns into a high-stakes battle

THE Pulivendula Rural ZPTC bypoll has turned into a high-stakes battle between the ruling TDP and the opposition YSRCP.

- S NAGARAJA RAO @Kadapa

THE Pulivendula Rural ZPTC bypoll has turned into a high-stakes battle between the ruling TDP and the opposition YSRCP. For the YSRCP, which has held Pulivendula for over four decades, the bypoll is a matter of defending its stronghold. For the TDP, it is a 'prestige test' — an opportunity to breach YSRCP chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy's bastion, and deliver a symbolic blow.

The seat fell vacant following the death of ZPTC member Tummala Maheshwar Reddy. His son Tummala Hemant Reddy is contesting the bypoll as the YSRCP candidate, while the TDP has fielded Mareddy Latha Reddy. The Congress and several independents, including Yadati Sunil Yadav, an accused in the Vivekananda Reddy murder case, are also in the fray.