Alliance tensions rise in Andhra Pradesh local body elections

The ruling TDP-Jana Sena-BJP alliance is facing significant internal challenges during the local body elections in Andhra Pradesh. In Vijayawada, rebel nominations have been filed in 52 of the 86 municipal divisions, despite a pre-arranged seat-sharing agreement. These rebel candidates include 22 from the BJP, 21 from Jana Sena, and nine from the TDP. Alliance leaders have warned that those who do not withdraw their nominations may face party suspension.

In the Salur municipality of Parvathipuram Manyam district, discontent has emerged after the chairperson post was allotted to Jana Sena. This has led to a rare husband-wife contest, where former TDP councillor Y. Harshavardhan is contesting a ward seat for the TDP, while his wife, Gulla Manjeera, is running as an independent for the chairperson position. Local TDP leaders have expressed frustration over the allocation, arguing the party's strong performance in recent elections warranted the post.