As vote counting concluded, the entire village eagerly waited to hear the name of the winning candidate. Normally, the announcement of an election victory would trigger celebrations and fireworks. However, there was no joy or celebration in this village. Even lighting firecrackers seemed impossible for the residents, as the winning candidate was no longer alive to celebrate her victory. Although people had placed their trust in her and voted overwhelmingly in her favour, she could not witness the happiness of her electoral success, leaving the entire village in tears.
Garapati Divya (28), a resident of Dhumantunigudem village in Devarapalli mandal of East Godavari district, contested the MPTC election on behalf of the Jana Sena Party. Known for her active involvement in strengthening the party and working towards village development, Divya enthusiastically participated in the election campaign. However, just a few hours before counting began, she unexpectedly suffered a heart attack and passed away. After counting concluded, officials announced that Divya had defeated her YSRCP rival by a massive margin of 352 votes.
Despite winning the hearts of local residents through her determination and securing a decisive electoral victory, Divya was not there to witness her achievement. Her untimely demise has left her family members and villagers heartbroken. Divya, who had married for love, is survived by two young children, a five-year-old son and a three-month-old baby. The thought of the children growing up without their mother’s affection has deeply saddened everyone in Dhumantunigudem.
The tragic death of this young leader, who dreamed of serving the people and finally achieved an electoral victory, has turned what should have been a moment of celebration into one of overwhelming grief across the village.