YSRCP faces challenges amid extended election campaign

The delay in the polling schedule has raised concerns for YSRCP, particularly in terms of sustaining voter engagement and revisiting previous gifts and distributions. The YSRCP candidates had strategically planned their election mailings and distributed gifts including sarees, cash, and other items, assuming a shorter campaign duration. With the extended campaign period, there is apprehension that these distributions may need to be repeated, posing logistical and financial challenges.
Moreover, allegations of bias among officials favoring the ruling party persist, with opposition parties continuously accusing them of partisanship. However, with the extended campaign period, fear grips the ruling party as the cooperation of officials may wane over time, especially with mounting complaints to the Election Commission. This poses a significant challenge for YSRCP candidates, particularly in conducting fair and transparent polling without the full cooperation of law enforcement.
In addition to external challenges, the YSR Congress also faces internal obstacles in retaining the support of its cadre. The failure to implement schemes through party leaders and activists has led to disillusionment among the party’s grassroots supporters. Many activists feel neglected and sidelined as legislators form their own teams, leading to questions about their relevance during the extended campaign period.