TDP regains ground in PR polls

The results of the just-concluded Zilla and Mandala Parishad elections have proved to be a morale booster for the Opposition Telugu Desam party which appeared to be in a bad shape after successive drubbings in municipal and primary agriculture co-operative society elections held after the 2004 Assembly elections in the state.

Even as the ruling Congress party is all set to get majority of the 22 Zilla Parishads, the preliminary reports on the counting of votes today suggested TDP's resurrection with a substantial number of its candidates who have contested Zilla and Mandala Parishad territorial constituencies (ZPTC& MPTCs) emerging victorious.

In contrast to the Congress party's claim that it would corner all the 22 Zilla Parishads, TDP along with its new-found electoral ally CPI(M) is poised to get at least 3 Zilla Parishads.

According to preliminary reports, at least 40 per cent of the around 20,000 MPTCs were won by TDP candidates.

The ZPTC and MPTC members will elect chairmen of their respective Zilla and Mandal Parishads.