Brief

TDP and JSP negotiate ward‑share for Vijayawada, Machilipatnam mayoral posts

Alliance partners TDP and JSP are finalising ward‑ticket distribution ahead of municipal elections in Krishna and NTR districts.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sat, 17 Oct 2026 11:16:28 GMT

Vijayawada Municipal Corporation, which has 86 wards, has allotted the mayoral post to the Jana Sena Party (JSP) while the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) seeks a share of roughly 20 ward tickets, according to sources cited by New Indian Express on Oct. 17.

What happened

The TDP and JSP have been negotiating ward‑wise seat‑sharing in the Krishna and NTR districts as municipal nominations approach. In Vijayawada, the proposed split includes seven wards each in the East and Central zones and six in the West zone. In Machilipatnam, which has 60 wards, the mayoral post is allotted to the TDP, with JSP reportedly seeking about 20 wards. The parties are also discussing allocations in smaller municipalities: TDP has chairperson posts in Nandigama (32 wards), Jaggayyapeta (36 wards) and Kondapalli (40 wards) in NTR district, while JSP has been allotted Tiruvuru (28 wards). In Krishna district, TDP holds Vuyyuru (32 wards) and JSP holds Pedana (28 wards). Elections are not scheduled for Gudivada and Tadigadapa at this stage.

What the reports add

The article notes that TDP cadres expect to win over 80% of seats in the municipalities where they have a strong organisational base. It also mentions that the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) is finalising its own candidates. Nomination paperwork must be submitted by 3 pm on Sunday, scrutiny is set for Oct. 19, withdrawals are allowed until Oct. 21 and polling is slated for Oct. 28.

What was said

Sources quoted in the report say some TDP aspirants would accept the party leadership’s decision on the mayoral post and remain confident of winning, while others have threatened to resign if denied tickets. The report adds that the allocation of the mayoral post to JSP has left some TDP members disappointed.

How it came about

The seat‑sharing talks follow prolonged negotiations between TDP and JSP leadership, with both parties forming coordination panels to resolve competing claims. The intense competition is driven by the large number of wards in Vijayawada and Machilipatnam, where local cadres have spent years building support ahead of the upcoming municipal elections.

Key facts

Vijayawada Municipal Corporation has 86 wards and the mayoral post is allotted to JSP. (newindianexpress.com)
TDP is discussing allocation of around 20 ward tickets in Vijayawada, including seven each in East and Central and six in West. (newindianexpress.com)
Machilipatnam has 60 wards; mayoral post goes to TDP and JSP seeks about 20 wards. (newindianexpress.com)
Nomination deadline is 3 pm on Sunday; scrutiny on Oct. 19; withdrawals until Oct. 21; polling on Oct. 28. (newindianexpress.com)