The JSP will contest from eight seats in the Nellore local polls

NDA alliance candidate Shaik Aliya handing over Form B to the returning officer in Nellore on Wednesday. | Photo credit: By arrangement

After several discussions and negotiations between the NDA alliance partners within the Nellore Municipal Corporation (NMC) limits, eight divisions have been allotted to the Jana Sena Party (JSP) and six to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to contest the upcoming local body elections.

According to sources, NMC divisions 6, 15, 21 and 71 have been allotted to JSP while divisions 7, 13 and 60 have been allotted to BJP in Nellore City constituency. In Nellore Rural constituency, divisions 29, 30, 45 and 53 were allotted to JSP while divisions 31, 42 and 43 were allotted to BJP.

During the distribution of B-forms in the city, several heated arguments broke out among the JSP leaders. JSP State General Secretary and Andhra Pradesh MSME Development Corporation Chairman Tammireddy Siva Sankara Rao visited the city on Tuesday and held discussions with the candidates who submitted their nominations.

Claiming that he acted unilaterally and failed to properly allocate seats meant for JSP candidates, some members raised strong objections. One party activist interrogated him and allegedly assaulted him. Later, the head of the JSP clarified that there was no physical attack.

District level JSP leaders Mannemala Sukumar Reddy, Duggishetti Sujay Babu, Chittaluru Sundara Babu, Gunukula Kishore, Noone Mallikarjuna Yadav and others met TDP district president Beeda Ravichandra and Nellore Rural MLA Kotamreddy Sridhar Reddy. They reportedly insisted on a 30% stake in 72 divisions in the NMC.

However, during discussions held by state JSP leader and APTDCO chairman Vemulapati Ajay Kumar with MA&UD minister Ponguru Narayana and Nellore Rural MLA Kotamreddy Sridhar Reddy, they agreed to list only 10 seats. This is said to have brought joy among the leaders and party workers of both TDP and JSP.

Speaking to The Hindu, Mr. Ajay Kumar said, “The JSP leaders were instructed by the high command not to accept anything less than 30% seats. In the presence of Minister Narayana, negotiations took place and the final decision was made to offer eight seats and two candidates for co-option.”

Published – 21 Oct 2026 21:34 IST