Rebel candidates pose threat to NDA alliance is GVMC wards

The NDA alliance is facing challenges from rebel candidates in several wards of the Greater Visakhapatnam (GVMC), with former sitting corporators, particularly those from the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Jana Sena Party (JSP), deciding to contest as Independents after being denied tickets for the ensuing civic elections.

Despite several rounds of deliberations and efforts by senior leaders of the alliance to persuade the disgruntled aspirants to withdraw their nominations, a number of rebels have remained firm on their decision to contest against the official candidates in East, Gajuwaka, Bheemunipatnam and South Zones. Their presence is likely to pose a challenge to the NDA’s prospects in several wards, as many of them have a local following and experience in municipal politics.

In some wards, particularly in Gajuwaka, rebel candidates from the TDP have already launched an intensive election campaign over the past few days. The Independents are reaching out to voters across colonies and residential areas, seeking support on their allotted election symbols and stepping up their campaign to challenge the official NDA nominees.

Similar discontent has been reported in some wards under the East Assembly constituency, where aspirants who failed to secure tickets have expressed resentment over the selection process. Some of the former corporators and party workers have alleged that their contributions to the party were overlooked.

“Despite being with the party and working for it, I have not received a ticket. The ticket has been given to a new entrant. We, the sitting corporators, were assured that we would be given another opportunity,” said a senior sitting corporator from the NDA, requesting anonymity.

However, a senior TDP leader defended the selection of candidates, stating that the alliance had taken the decisions after extensive discussions among leaders of all three constituent parties.

According to him, those who had worked against the party and its policies were not considered for tickets, while priority was given to candidates who had remained loyal to the organisation and worked for its growth. He stated that some party workers who had contributed significantly might have missed out because of reservation-related considerations or other factors. However, the party would recognise their contributions and provide them with suitable opportunities in the future, he said.

Campaigning gathers momentum

With the nomination withdrawal process over, electioneering gathered momentum across the city on Thursday. Candidates intensified their outreach programmes in colonies and residential neighbourhoods.

NDA candidates organised large bike rallies across the city, while senior leaders joined door-to-door campaigns. Candidates and their supporters were seen moving through residential areas, meeting voters and explaining their priorities as they sought to consolidate support ahead of polling.

Meanwhile, both the NDA and the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) have stepped up efforts to demonstrate their organisational strength by inducting leaders and workers from rival parties. The series of defections and joinings has become another feature of the campaign, with both sides seeking to project an advantage in the run-up to the elections.

The mayoral candidates of the two parties have also intensified their outreach. TDP’s mayoral candidate, Mukka Sravani, and YSRCP’s mayoral candidate, Varudu Kalyani, have been visiting different wards and interacting with residents as part of their respective campaigns.