Election arithmetic changes as corporation may expand from 54 to 72 divisions
Nellore — Political activity in Nellore has gathered pace ahead of the proposed municipal corporation elections, with the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) reported to be finalising strategies to contest a likely directly elected mayoral post.
According to local reports, the Nellore Municipal Corporation (NMC), which had 54 divisions in the previous civic body, is likely to be expanded to 72 divisions. That change, if implemented, will alter the electoral arithmetic and compel both major parties to recalibrate ward-level equations before the expected State Election Commission notification.
| Item | Previous (2021) | Proposed / Current |
|---|---|---|
| Number of divisions | 54 | 72 |
| Mayoral election method | Indirect (earlier) | Likely direct election |
| 2021 result | YSRCP won all 54 divisions | Contested — parties now reorganising |
Party sources and political observers in Nellore said both the TDP and the YSRCP are working to identify strong candidates should the mayor be elected directly. There is also speculation that the mayoral post could be reserved for the Open Category, which would influence candidate selection.
- The TDP is reported to be aiming for a sweep of the expanded corporation and the mayoral post.
- YSRCP is examining several names to reclaim ground in the civic body that it dominated in 2021.
- Shifts in party loyalty among sitting corporators since 2021 have added uncertainty to the contest.
Sources close to the TDP said the party is close to finalising Deputy Mayor Roop Kumar Yadav, who belongs to the BC community, as its mayoral candidate. The TDP’s reported push follows political shifts in the city after the YSRCP lost power at the state level and a TDP-led coalition formed the government.
For the YSRCP, local party leaders are reported to be considering several names. Those mentioned in local reporting include Malem Sudheer Kumar Reddy, a former state Seva Dal president who entered politics in 2004; AC Subba Reddy; and Dr Radha Madhavi. Party sources said Sudheer Kumar Reddy has longstanding association with YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and has served in district party roles prior to holding the Seva Dal post.
Observers note the political landscape in Nellore has been fluid since the last corporation elections. In November 2021, the YSRCP won all 54 divisions. Subsequent changes at the state level and defections by several corporators have altered the balance in the civic body. Last year, a no-confidence move against then-mayor Sravanthi was reportedly initiated; she resigned before the motion could be taken. The corporation was thereafter led by an in-charge mayor for nearly two months until, under directions from the State Election Commission, an election was held and corporator Devarakonda Sujatha (53rd division) was elected mayor.
What residents should watch for
For Nellore voters, the expansion of divisions and the prospect of a directly elected mayor mean several practical implications: ward boundaries may change, new seats will alter grassroots representation, and the process for selecting a mayor will be more visible and personalised if direct election is confirmed. Political analysts in the city say candidate selection, community arithmetic and alliances at the ward level will be decisive.
Both parties are reported to be intensifying consultations with booth-level workers and local leaders as they prepare for the likely notification. The State Election Commission’s formal notification on the corporation elections will set the timetable and reservation roster, and only then will parties finalise official tickets.
Until the commission issues formal orders, much of the reporting remains contingent on party plans and local sources. The coming weeks are likely to see sharper competition and public campaigning in Nellore as contenders position themselves for the expanded civic body and the mayoral contest.
