NDA Holds Edge in GVMC Polls, but Keen Contests Likely in Several Wards
The TDP-led NDA, comprising the Jana Sena Party (JSP) and the BJP, appears to have an edge over the YSRCP in the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) elections, though several wards are likely to see keen contests.
A preliminary political assessment suggests the NDA could win 65 to 78 seats in the 120-member civic body, the YSRCP 37 to 50, and independents and others two to eight. These projections are indicative only and are not based on an opinion poll or representative voter survey.
The NDA is expected to benefit from its strong showing in the 2024 Assembly elections, when it established a commanding presence across Visakhapatnam and surrounding constituencies. The YSRCP, however, which won control of the GVMC by taking 58 of the then 98 wards in 2021, still has an established grassroots network.
The NDA’s prospects depend largely on coordination among its three parties, effective vote transfer and its ability to contain dissidence over ticket distribution. Under the seat-sharing arrangement, the TDP has been allotted 77 wards, the JSP 32 and the BJP 11. Rebel candidates and differences among local leaders could influence results in closely contested wards.
The YSRCP is expected to rely on its traditional support base, sitting and former corporators, and grassroots leadership to challenge the alliance.
Civic issues, including poor roads, inadequate drainage, drinking water supply, sanitation, property taxes and deficient urban infrastructure, are likely to shape voter preferences. The development of Visakhapatnam and the State government’s performance are also expected to feature prominently in the campaign.
The mayoral contest is likely to draw considerable attention, with NDA-backed TDP candidate Mukka Sravani and YSRCP candidate Varudu Kalyani the principal contenders.
Although the NDA appears better placed to cross the majority mark of 61, the YSRCP could narrow the gap if dissatisfaction over civic issues, local dynamics and rebel candidates work against the alliance.
An illustrative projection places the NDA at around 72 seats, the YSRCP at 43 and others at five. The actual outcome will depend on voter turnout, ward-level equations and the effectiveness of campaign strategies.
The elections are expected to indicate the political standing of the NDA and the YSRCP in Visakhapatnam, one of Andhra Pradesh’s major urban centres.