Tirupati: The political landscape of Chittoor district witnessed a dramatic shift on Friday as the YSRC lost its grip on the Chittoor Municipal Corporation. Mayor S. Amuda, along with deputy mayor Rajesh Reddy and 17 other corporators, pledged their allegiance to Telugu Desam, dealing a significant blow to the opposition’s local power base.
This mass defection, welcomed by TD MLA G. Jagan Mohan, follows a similar exodus from Punganur municipality last month, indicating a growing trend of local representatives aligning with the newly formed government. The move bolsters TD’s presence in the 50-division corporation to nearly half of the corporators, including three previously elected corporators and three from its coalition partner, Jana Sena.
A senior YSRC leader from the region, speaking to the Deccan Chronicle on condition of anonymity, said these defections are undoubtedly a setback for the party. However, he claimed that they are far from a death knell for the party in Chittoor. “This is a moment for introspection and renewal. We view this as an opportunity to rebuild our base with loyal and principled members who are committed to our party’s vision,” he stated.
According to sources, the defecting corporators are aligned with Arani Srinivasulu, former Chittoor YSRC MLA now representing Tirupati under the Jana Sena banner. Sources suggest Arani’s influence was instrumental in orchestrating this political realignment, with efforts underway to encourage further defections.
Elaborating on the party’s response to the situation, the YSRC leader stated, “We’re not just sitting idle. Our ground teams are already in motion, reconnecting with our grassroots supporters and identifying emerging local leaders. This temporary setback will ultimately strengthen our party. Those who left were perhaps not fully aligned with our party’s principles, and their departure creates space for fresh, energetic voices who truly believe in our cause.”
In retaliation to the defections, the YSRC leadership took decisive action. Chittoor district YSRC president K.R.J. Bharath issued a press release, announcing the immediate suspension of the Mayor, deputy mayor and the defected corporators from the party.
The defection of Punganur municipal chairman Aleem Basha and Chittoor Municipal Corporation mayor, along with some councillors to the TD, suggests a broader trend. Similar shifts are anticipated in other YSRC-controlled municipalities, including Kuppam, Palamaner, Puttur, Nagari, Srikalahasti, Madanapalli, and Tirupati Municipal Corporation. With NDA MLAs winning these constituencies, efforts are reportedly underway to consolidate control over these civic bodies.
