TDP, JSP vie for Srikakulam ZP chairperson post

Apngos Association former State Associate president Chowdary Purushottam Naidu joins the TDP in the presence of Minister for Agriculture K. Atchannaidu and Union Minister K. Rammohan Naidu in Srikakulam on Saturday.

The NDA partners— Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Jana Sena Party (JSP)— are vying for the coveted Srikakulam Zilla Parishad chairperson’s post.

Union Minister for Civil Aviation K. Rammohan Naidu and State Agriculture Minister K. Atchannaidu have reportedly objected to the allocation of the ZP chairperson’s post to the JSP as the latter had won only six Zilla Parishad Territorial Constituency (ZPTC) seats, whereas the TDP secured 22 seats out of 30 in Srikakulam district. BJP won one ZPTC and YSRCP secured Narasannapeta ZPTC seat.

Srikakulam Urban Development Authority chairman Korikana Ravikumar has sought chairperson’s post for his wife, Korikana Bhavani, who was elected from the L. N. Peta seat with a decent majority.

Mr. Ravikumar, who is said to be very close to JSP president and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, is keen on securing the post, as it would help the party strengthen its grassroots presence.

With leaders having strong influence with their respective party high commands, the allocation of the chairperson’s post has become a major political issue in the district. As the chairperson’s post has been reserved for a BC women this time, BJP ZPTC member from Hiramandalam Siripuruapu Triveni, has also staked claim to the post.

In fact, the alliance parties has already allocated the Srikakulam Mayor’s post to the JSP and the party’s Mayor candidate Daneti Radha Rani, wife of JSP District General Secretary Daneti Sridhar has already started campaigning. TDP leaders argue that allocating both the Mayor and ZP chairperson posts to the JSP would not be appropriate.

November 16, 2026, is the last date for submission of nominations for Mayor’s post. However, the B. form can be submitted by November 18, 2026. The suspense over the allocation of the Mayor and ZP chairperson’s post is likely to continue for the next few days.

“Compared to other areas, JSP is in a commanding position in Srikakulam. It has become a big challenge for the TDP to retain its hold in the district’s politics. That is why, it is putting pressure on the TDP high command for the ZP chairperson’s post,” said a political analyst.