Jana Sena Faces Setback in Nandyal

The Jana Sena Party suffered a major setback in the Nandyal municipal elections, with both its candidates losing the wards in which they contested. Despite party president Pawan Kalyan’s claims that the Balija community and other social groups were firmly behind the party, the support did not translate into electoral success in Nandyal. Of the 52 wards in the municipality, Jana Sena had sought an allocation of seven seats but was given only two. The party contested in Ward 17 through Rachamadugu Lakshmi Devi and Ward 41 through Pidathala Sudhakar. However, both candidates were defeated, dealing a setback to the party in the municipal polls.

Meanwhile, a controversy has erupted over the election result in Ward 7 of Done town. YSRCP candidate Ruksana was initially declared the winner against her TDP rival, Pathan Khairunnisa, by a margin of three votes. Returning officials reportedly repeated the same result after a recount an hour later, and the counting officer also signed the declaration. However, an hour after that, the display board outside the counting centre showed the TDP candidate as the winner. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Ruksana said she had secured 451 votes, while her opponent received 448. She alleged that when she tried to meet the returning officer along with her lawyers, she was told that a recount would be considered only after all election results were announced. Claiming that she was treated unfairly due to pressure from the ruling party, Ruksana said she would approach the High Court seeking justice.