The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) has decided to treat the upcoming local body elections as a major political battle. Party president and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has directed party leaders and cadre to work with full commitment, asserting that if the elections are conducted freely and fairly, the people will deliver a clear verdict against the coalition government.
Jagan Calls for Full Focus on Local Elections
Jagan held a meeting with key party leaders on Tuesday and emphasized that the local body elections would not merely be about electoral victories or defeats. According to him, they would also be a crucial battle to stand by and strengthen the party cadre.
He instructed leaders to field strong candidates in every constituency and warned against allowing any seat to go uncontested through unanimous elections.
Strict Warning Over Unanimous Elections
Jagan reportedly issued a strong warning to constituency coordinators against allowing unanimous elections. He said that if any local body election resulted in an uncontested victory, the concerned constituency coordinator would not be considered for an Assembly ticket in future elections.
He also made it clear that the party leadership would assess not only whether candidates were fielded but also how strongly local leaders supported them during the election process. Reports on the performance and support provided by the leadership would be collected after the elections.
Door-to-Door Campaign Against Coalition Government
The YSRCP chief called for an extensive grassroots campaign under the slogan “Backstabbing Party–Backstabbing Governance.”
Party leaders and cadre have been asked to go door to door and explain to voters the differences between the YSRCP government and the present coalition government. The party leadership will provide the required information and campaign material for this exercise.
Identity Cards for 14–15 Lakh Party Cadre
As part of efforts to strengthen the organizational structure, the YSRCP has reportedly prepared around 14–15 lakh identity cards for its party cadre.
The cards are expected to be distributed through meetings at various levels, from districts to mandals, wards and divisions, during September. A QR code will also be incorporated to provide party workers with access to relevant information and resources.
Legal, Media and Social Media Teams to Be Strengthened
Jagan also directed the party to strengthen its legal, media and social media mechanisms in every constituency.
He instructed leaders to provide legal support to party workers facing alleged harassment or attacks. Where necessary, cases should be pursued up to the High Court, with a coordinated legal support system established for the purpose.
No Room for Personal Egos in Candidate Selection
The YSRCP leadership has also been asked to ensure that personal egos do not influence candidate selection.
Jagan reportedly told leaders to work together with the sole objective of winning the elections and to bring all sections of the party together. He called on the leadership and cadre to focus entirely on local body elections over the next 60–70 days.
Monitoring Officials Who Harass Party Workers
Jagan further directed party leaders to document the details of officials who allegedly harass party workers under political pressure.
He warned that officials who act illegally could face action in accordance with the law in the future. The party intends to maintain records of such incidents and pursue them through appropriate legal channels.
YSRCP Begins Groundwork for Local Body Elections
Overall, Jagan has outlined a comprehensive strategy to mobilize the YSRCP organization ahead of the local body elections. From candidate selection and cadre mobilization to grassroots campaigning, legal support and digital communication, the party leadership is seeking to prepare its organizational machinery for an intensive electoral battle.
