Amaravati, Oct 14: Andhra Pradesh’s municipal elections are gaining momentum, with political parties focusing on candidate selection and election preparations. However, seat-sharing negotiations between the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Jana Sena Party have become a major political talking point. Jana Sena is reportedly seeking a share of around 40% in local body posts, adding a new twist to discussions within the ruling alliance.
With reservations finalised and election preparations underway, the final seat-sharing arrangement between the two alliance partners is being closely watched.
AP Municipal Elections: Preparations Gather Pace
Preparations are underway for elections to 17 municipal corporations, 106 municipalities and urban local bodies across Andhra Pradesh.
Officials have begun making arrangements for polling, including finalising polling station lists and transporting election materials to district headquarters. Elections are reportedly being planned in phases, with preparations initially covering 13 municipal corporations and 87 municipalities, while the remaining 23 urban local bodies are expected to go to polls in a subsequent phase.
Political parties have also intensified their preparations, focusing on candidate selection, local-level strategies and campaign planning.
YS Jagan Focuses on YSRCP’s Election Strategy
Meanwhile, YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has stepped up preparations for the upcoming local body elections.
According to party sources, Jagan held a meeting with regional coordinators that lasted more than six hours. The discussions reportedly covered the party’s position across districts, candidate selection, campaign strategies and overall election preparedness.
The selection of candidates for mayoral and municipal chairperson posts was also discussed. The party is expected to finalise its candidates in the coming days as it prepares to challenge the ruling alliance in urban local body elections.
Jana Sena Reportedly Seeks a 40% Share
While TDP and Jana Sena have yet to announce a formal seat-sharing agreement, reports about the proposed allocation have triggered debate within the ruling alliance.
Reports suggesting that Jana Sena could receive three mayoral posts and around 17% of the seats have reportedly caused dissatisfaction among some sections of the party.
Jana Sena leaders are believed to be seeking a larger share of positions to ensure adequate representation in municipal corporations, municipalities and nagar panchayats.
The issue gained attention after Jana Sena leader and minister Kandukuri Durgesh shared social media posts discussing the party’s proposed share in local body positions.
According to the figures circulating alongside these posts, Jana Sena is reportedly seeking around 40.1% of the total positions, amounting to approximately 2,091 posts across different categories.
However, the proposal has not been officially confirmed by the ruling alliance.
Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Councillor Posts in Focus
The reported proposal covers several positions across urban local bodies, including mayor, deputy mayor, standing committee chairperson, municipal chairperson, vice-chairperson, corporator and councillor posts.
According to the figures cited in the social media discussion, Jana Sena is seeking a 35% share of mayoral positions, which would translate into six posts under the proposal. The party is also reportedly seeking six deputy mayor posts and five standing committee chairperson positions.
The proposed allocation reportedly includes shares in municipal chairperson and vice-chairperson posts, along with positions in nagar panchayats.
Jana Sena is also said to be seeking approximately 40% of corporator and councillor seats.
These reported demands suggest that the party wants a substantial share of local-level political representation rather than a limited allocation of leadership positions.
Tensions Emerge Between TDP and Jana Sena Supporters
The reported demands have triggered discussions among supporters of both alliance partners on social media.
Some TDP supporters have criticised the public discussion of seat allocations, describing it as pressure tactics. Jana Sena supporters, meanwhile, argue that the party deserves a fair share of seats and positions within the alliance.
The public discussion of allocation figures by leaders associated with the party has also raised questions about how the negotiations are progressing.
There is speculation in political circles about whether Pawan Kalyan is aware of or has approved the proposed demands. However, no official confirmation has emerged on this aspect.
Until the alliance announces its final arrangement, the reported figures should be treated as proposals rather than a confirmed seat-sharing agreement.
Will TDP and Jana Sena Reach a Final Agreement?
The seat-sharing negotiations are likely to remain a key issue as Andhra Pradesh prepares for municipal elections.
For Jana Sena, securing a larger share of seats and leadership positions could strengthen its representation in urban local bodies. For TDP, the challenge will be to accommodate its alliance partner while managing its own electoral interests.
At the same time, YSRCP is working on candidate selection and election strategy under Jagan’s leadership.
The final outcome will depend on negotiations between TDP and Jana Sena, the number of seats allocated to each party and the official announcement of the alliance’s election plan.
The key question is whether Jana Sena will secure its reported demand for a 40% share or whether TDP will negotiate a smaller allocation. The final seat-sharing formula could significantly influence the political contest in Andhra Pradesh’s municipal elections.
