In the run up to the June 12 by-polls, YSR Congress president and Kadapa MP Y S Jaganmohan Reddy is going all out to wrest as many of the 16 poll-bound Assembly seats held by the Congress.
Contrary to initial expectations that there would be a "wave" in favour of the YSR Congress in the bye-elections, the situation still remains fluid.
Reports from different constituencies suggest that a certain "swing" in the voters' mood is becoming apparent following some recent political developments. The event of Jagan being arrested in the disproportionate assets case will also have a bearing on the bye-elections.
The stakes are high for the Congress which has to fight the anti-incumbency factor among other political challenges to keep its flag flying.
The bye-elections will also determine whether the main opposition Telugu Desam Party can nurture hopes of returning to power in the near future.
According to political observers, the Congress and the TDP are projecting Jagan as the "epitome of corruption" while the Kadapa MP is seeking to turn the adversity into sympathy.
The upcoming polls are touted in the state as the "mini general elections" or the "semi-finals" ahead of the General elections, which will be held in 2014.