Voter Sentiments and Trends in Andhra Pradesh Post-Elections

Young voters and first-timers played a major role in the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Jana Sena Party (JSP), and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) coalition’s resounding victory in the Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections of 2024. It has been learned that the JSP has benefited most from the youth’s active participation.¹ These recent elections have offered an intriguing window into voters’ changing attitudes and patterns. Thus, the substantial change in voter allegiance, especially among young people and first-time voters, is a crucial finding from the post-election statistics.

The data also shows a rising preference for the TDP among middle-aged voters, who showed a rise in their vote share compared to prior elections. This revival may be linked to the TDP’s strategic emphasis on economic reforms and job development, which appealed to this age group.

The JSP, founded in 2014 by celebrity actor Pawan Kalyan, has gained substantial voter support in Andhra Pradesh because of charismatic leadership, savvy partnerships, and a focus on local concerns. The JSP’s strategic collaboration with the BJP and its previous affiliation with the TDP helped it consolidate voters. By partnering with these existing parties, JSP was able to harness their organizational structures and voter bases, especially in places where the party was new.

On election day, the younger generation and middle-class voters used the first part of the day to cast their ballots; after lunch, the proportion of women voters rose; and after 4 pm., the proportion of elderly voters and those from lower socioeconomic classes climbed dramatically. It was also observed that a large number of people needed clarification on the general election polling schedule this year. Even the group that often flaunts its allegiances has been silent since the election.

The 2024 general election has also indicated a significant difference in polling behavior between urban and rural voters. However, political parties in the state are still unsure which group favored them in the recent polls. The Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) received more than 55% of urban votes, indicating the party’s effectiveness in tackling urban concerns including infrastructure development and public services. On the contrary, rural regions saw a more equal struggle between the YSRCP and the TDP, with the YSRCP receiving 45% and the TDP receiving 40% of rural votes. This balance implies that, while the YSRCP’s social packages are valued, a sizable proportion of the rural population supports the TDP’s promises of agricultural growth and rural development.

In terms of voter turnout, the Ongole Parliamentary Constituency had the highest
percentage—87.06 percent—according to the Election Commission of India (ECI). With 85.77 and 85.65 percent, Chittoor and Narasaraopet placed second and third, respectively. The Parliamentary Constituency of Visakhapatnam had the lowest turnout, 71.11%. Other parliamentary seats also record high voter turnout rates, including Bapatla 85.48%, Hindupur 84.70%, Machilipatnam 84.05%, Amalapuram (SC) 83.85, Eluru 83.68%, Narsapuram 82.59%, Anakapalle 82.03%, Vizianagaram 81.05%, Rajahmundry 80.93%, Nandyal 80.61%, Ananthapur 80.51%, Kakinada 80.30%, Kadapa 79.57%, Vijayawada 79.37%, Tirupati 79.10%, Rajampet 79.09%, Guntur 78.81%, Kurnool 76.80%, Srikakulam 74.43%, Araku (ST) 73.68%. ²

Talking about voter turnout in assembly constituencies, 117 assembly seats out of 175 had 80% or greater voter turnout, and most urban constituencies had just 65% to 70% voting participation. Tirupati had the lowest turnout of any assembly constituency, at 63.32%, while Vizag South came in second-to-last, at 63.42%, compared to the state average of 81.8%. Several urban areas, including Rajahmundry (67%), Guntur West (66.53), Guntur East (70), Kakinada city (72.1), Vijayawada Central (72.9), Nellore City (71), Srikakulam (68.31), Gajuwaka (69), Vizag East (68), Vizag North (64), Kadapa (65), Vizianagaram (71), and Adoni (66.55), also followed the same overall pattern.³

Overall, a combination of well-planned marketing and an impactful message helped the coalition of the TDP, JSP, and BJP secure a sizable amount of support in the Andhra Pradesh elections. To appeal to a wide range of voters, the TDP, led by N. Chandrababu Naidu, emphasized development and governance track records while utilizing its vast grassroots network and historical heritage. Because of Pawan Kalyan’s prominence in movies and his commitment to social justice, his JSP garnered significant support from the younger generation and the Kapu community. Adding a layer of legitimacy and organizational power to the partnership was the BJP’s nationwide presence and resources. Now, Chandrababu Naidu, as a Chief Minister and as a leader of the tripartite alliance, has to deliver on his promises and keep the alliance in-tact.

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