After the Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections, the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YCP) launched a campaign questioning the legitimacy of the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) polling system. Several key YCP leaders, including Roja and Ambati Rambabu, repeatedly voiced concerns, suggesting that election results were manipulated. This narrative was an attempt to discredit the public mandate that had overwhelmingly favored the Telugu Desam Party (TDP). However, TDP remained largely indifferent to what they saw as baseless accusations.
 

Recently, the results of the Member of Legislative Council (MLC) elections in Andhra Pradesh further reinforced TDP’s electoral dominance. Despite the use of a paper ballot system, TDP candidates secured a landslide victory. During a celebration event following the triumph, Nara Lokesh, General Secretary of TDP, directly addressed YCP’s allegations. In a confident statement, he said, “EVM aina… Ballot aina… Gelupu Kutami de” (Be it EVM or Ballot, victory belongs to the alliance), taking a sharp dig at YCP’s claims of electoral fraud.
 

TDP Uses Paper Ballot Victory to Discredit YCP’s EVM Allegations

For months, YCP leaders attempted to cast doubts on the credibility of EVMs, suggesting that the results of the Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections were manipulated. However, the latest MLC election results contradicted these claims. Unlike the Assembly elections, which used EVMs, the MLC elections were conducted using the traditional paper ballot system. TDP’s decisive win in these elections dismantled YCP’s argument, proving that the people’s mandate was unchanged regardless of the voting method.Nara Lokesh’s statement not only dismissed the EVM conspiracy theory but also highlighted YCP’s inability to accept electoral defeat. The event became an opportunity for TDP to reinforce its hold over Andhra politics while exposing YCP’s attempts to discredit the democratic process.
 

Lokesh’s Speech Energizes TDP Cadres Amidst Celebration

During the celebration event, Lokesh actively engaged with the party cadres, further energizing them. As senior TDP leader Alapati Raja was addressing the gathering and urging supporters to sit, Lokesh took the microphone and playfully asked, “Kurchomante kurchuntaama???” (If they ask us to sit, will we?). The statement was met with loud cheers and enthusiasm, further igniting the celebratory atmosphere.Lokesh’s ability to connect with the party’s grassroots workers was evident throughout the event. His satirical take on YCP’s allegations resonated with the crowd, strengthening TDP’s position as a party that firmly upholds the democratic mandate.
 

Jagan Mohan Reddy “Address-Less” After MLC Election Loss

Lokesh also took a direct jab at Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, stating that he had been left “address-less” following the crushing MLC election defeat. The overwhelming mandate for TDP, even in a paper ballot election, indicated that YCP’s influence had further diminished.This victory reinforced the public sentiment first seen in the Assembly elections nine months ago. Lokesh pointed out that the NDA-led government in Andhra Pradesh continues to have strong public support, while YCP’s narrative is losing credibility.
 

YCP’s EVM Allegations Weaken Its Political Standing

YCP’s prolonged insistence on election fraud through EVMs has been a part of its post-election strategy to justify its defeat. However, the MLC election results, where EVMs were not used, proved that the party’s claims held no merit. If TDP could secure a sweeping victory through a paper ballot system, it directly disproved YCP’s argument that the Assembly election results were rigged.Political analysts believe that YCP’s continued focus on EVM allegations has damaged its credibility. Rather than working towards rebuilding its support base, the party’s leadership appears to be stuck in a cycle of denial. On the other hand, TDP has used the election results to reinforce its political strength, sending a clear message that public trust remains with them.
 

The Future of Andhra Pradesh Politics

With the MLC election results reaffirming TDP’s dominance, the political landscape in Andhra Pradesh is witnessing a shift. The focus now shifts to how both parties will strategize moving forward:

• YCP faces the challenge of regaining public trust, which will require moving past the EVM controversy and focusing on governance.
• TDP, on the other hand, must capitalize on its electoral success and continue engaging with the public to maintain its stronghold.

The results of the MLC elections suggest that the people of Andhra Pradesh have firmly placed their trust in TDP, whether through EVMs or a paper ballot system. As the state’s political scenario continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how YCP plans to recover from its repeated electoral setbacks.With Nara Lokesh emerging as a strong and vocal leader, TDP appears to be in a position of continued dominance, while YCP struggles to find a narrative that resonates with the voters. The coming months will be crucial in shaping the future of Andhra Pradesh politics.