TDP seizes control of Chittoor Municipal Corporation

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The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has gained absolute control of the Chittoor Municipal Corporation, reversing the political equation that prevailed in the 2021 elections, when the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) won an overwhelming majority.

The Chittoor corporation’s election was held in a subdued atmosphere, with public interest waning after 51 of the corporation’s 60 divisions were declared unanimously elected following the nominations and withdrawal phases.

With only nine divisions going to polls, electoral activity remained limited, and the overall polling percentage was low. Counting on Tuesday resulted in five divisions going to the TDP, three to the YSRCP, and one to an independent candidate.

In the Mayoral contest, TDP candidate Katari Hemalatha won by a huge margin of 35050 votes against her rival and YSRCP nominee Ramaswamy Chandrasekhar.

Meanwhile, the 2021 elections had produced a different outcome, with the YSRCP winning 46 of the then 50 divisions, against three for the TDP and one independent. The corporation’s strength was subsequently increased to 60 divisions following delimitation.

The political composition in Chittoor had changed after the 2024 Assembly elections, when the then Mayor S. Amuda, Deputy Mayor Rajesh Reddy and 17 corporators shifted from the YSRCP to the TDP.

Tuesday’s result clearly puts the TDP in control of the civic body, while the YSRCP’s representation is substantially below its 2021 tally.

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