Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Monday said that the TDP's victory in the Nandyal Assembly by-election by a huge majority is a mandate for development.
"People have endorsed development agenda, upheld values in public life. Rejected and punished negative politics & disorderliness," the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) President tweeted.
"Thanking the people of Nandyal for showing their trust in TDP's governance. Will create a Smart Nandyal by following our motto 'People First'," he added.
The TDP's Bhuma Brahmananda Reddy defeated his nearest rival, Silpa Mohan Reddy of the YSR Congress party, by over 27,466 votes.
Naidu claimed that people from all sections of the society voted for TDP. "There was one sided voting by Muslims in favour of TDP," he said.
He exuded confidence that all elections in future including 2019 elections will be one-sided. "We will work to ensure that TDP remains permanently in power," he said.
The TDP chief said people rejected negative politics. He was referring to objectionable remarks made against him by YSR Congress president YS Jaganmohan Reddy.
Naidu also reportedly compared Reddy with Dera Sacha Sauda head Ram Rahim Singh for “promoting violence”, with his remarks.
Naidu said he would continue to work for elimination of poverty, ensuring economic equality and development of weaker sections of society.
"We will continue to focus on both welfare and development, ensure good governance and efficient and honest delivery of services using the best technology and best practices," he added.
The bye-poll was necessitated after the death of Bhuma Nagi Reddy, who had quit the YSR Congress party along with this daughter Bhuma Akhila Priya, to join the ruling TDP in 2016.
The YSRCP's defeat came after a heated campaign between the two main parties in the state, with both of them treating it as a battle for prestige.
The constituency witnessed a high-voltage campaign led by Naidu and Jagan.
After his defeat, Jagan concluded saying, "He (Naidu) has hit us, politically. We are braving it. Our time will also come, and we will hit back.
IANS inputs