Eluru Mayor Election: Jana Sena and YSRCP Candidates Vie for Support

Eluru holds considerable political significance in coastal Andhra Pradesh, with its political dynamics influencing the surrounding Godavari and Krishna districts. The Eluru Municipal Corporation mayoral post is reserved for the BC General category, with alliance-backed Jana Sena candidate Reddy Appalanaidu and YSRCP candidate Ghanta Mohan Rao (GMR) emerging as the principal contenders, according to the report. Appalanaidu, known for his trade union background, began his career as a labourer and later became a union leader and village sarpanch. He joined Jana Sena and contested the Eluru Assembly seat in 2019. After the alliance government came to power in 2024, he served as the APSRTC regional chairman. GMR, meanwhile, is contesting an election for the first time. Former Congress member who later joined YSRCP, he is seeking to build support through the party’s vote base and local political networks. Of the 62 corporation divisions, the TDP is contesting 40, Jana Sena 18 and the BJP four. The report notes that the alliance and YSRCP are the main contenders for the mayoral post, while several divisions could witness close or multi-cornered contests.

The election is also unfolding against the backdrop of local development concerns and competing assessments of the city’s progress. According to the report, nearly ₹100 crore worth of works have been taken up in Eluru under the alliance government, including road and culvert construction. Projects are also underway to improve drinking-water supply to 22 peripheral villages through pipelines and overhead tanks carrying Godavari water. Infrastructure improvements in a previously developed MIG layout have reportedly increased demand for plots. However, residents continue to face concerns over urban flooding, particularly around Shaniwarapupeta, the low-level railway bridge near the new bus stand and the Rajiv Sneha Varadhi bridge. Overflow from the Jalipudi and Tammileru drainage channels during heavy rainfall can disrupt traffic. The report also highlights voters’ expectations that elected representatives should focus on public service, transparent governance and resolving everyday civic problems.