Nellore YSRCP: Once a Stronghold, Now a Challenge

Nellore district was once synonymous with the YSR Congress Party’s (YSRCP) strength. During the party’s inception, leaders like Mekapati Rajamohan Reddy played a pivotal role in establishing its presence. The party’s victory journey began in the district with the 2012 by-elections, where Mekapati Rajamohan Reddy secured a significant win. Moreover, the YSRCP swept all assembly seats in the by-elections, proving its dominance.

In the 2014 elections, the YSRCP continued its strong performance by securing all but 3 assembly constituencies in the district. This dominance further solidified in 2019, with the party winning 10 out of 10 assembly seats and also securing the MP seat, cementing Nellore as a bastion for the YSRCP.

However, challenges emerged post-2019. Internal factionalism and lack of coordination became evident. After Anil Kumar Yadav was appointed as a minister, his style of governance alienated a key social group. Although Kakani Govardhan Reddy replaced him in the cabinet, it failed to make a substantial impact.

The departure of senior leaders like Nallapureddy Prasanna Kumar Reddy, Vemireddy Prabhakar Reddy, Kotamreddy Sridhar Reddy, and Anam Ramanarayana Reddy further weakened the party. The sudden demise of Mekapati Goutham Reddy left a leadership vacuum, compounding the party’s troubles.

The 2024 elections saw a dramatic shift, with the TDP-Jana Sena alliance securing all 10 assembly seats and the MP seat in Nellore, effectively sidelining YSRCP in direct politics.
To regain its lost ground, the YSRCP leadership must focus on revitalization efforts, fostering unity, empowering grassroots cadres, and addressing social group concerns. Strengthening district leadership and rebuilding trust is essential for reclaiming Nellore as its stronghold. Political analysts emphasize that only decisive actions can help the party recover its former glory before the upcoming next elections.