Panchayat bypoll results: Are these trailors for 2024 elections?

There is a lot of buzz about anti-incumbency dogging the ruling YSRCP in Andhra Pradesh. But if the results of the panchayat bypolls are any indication, the YSRCP is still the clear winner. It is not only able to outpace all its rivals, it is also able to further divide the already divided opposition group.

In Kurnool district, there were byelections to one sarpanch post and 42 ward member posts. Of them, there was no contest and candidates were elected unanimously in 27 wards. The YSRCP swept the 9 seats for which election was held. The TDP had to remain content with just six seats. The other parties were inconsequential.

In Nandyal, elections were held for three sarpanch posts and 291 ward member posts. Of them, 272 wards went to the YSRCP without a contest. In the remaining 19 seats, the YSRCP had won 15. One seat went to a YSRCP rebel candidate and the remaining three were won by the Telugu Desam Party.

Elsewhere too, the YSRCP managed to put up an impressive show by winning the maximum number of seats. In most places, the TDP trailed behind. The Jana Sena, the BJP and the Left parties were nowhere to be seen in the contest. In some wards, however, the contest was keen and the counting of votes witnessed tense moments.