It's fight between TDP, YSRC in Srikakulam
Srikakulam: TDP seems to be regaining its lost ground in Srikakulam which used to be its bastion for almost two decades till 2004. The voters in the district were always politically active with an average voting of more than 70 per cent in all the assembly and parliament constituencies.
Kalingas form the majority of the voters in this constituency with nearly 30 per cent of voters; these are followed by Turpu Kapus, Velamas, Yadavas and Kalinga Vysyas.
Congress party lost cadre and leaders after the bifurcation and doesn't even have a fighting chance in the polls. They were hurt by exodus of high profile leaders like Dharmana Prasada Rao to YSRCP, Shatrucharla Vijayarama Raju to TDP.
Sources from Gandhi Bhavan say that they are finding it difficult to find a strong leader in the district. TDP and YSRCP started hitting the ground with campaigning.
TDP is bent on re-capturing their lost ground. This time they are trying to woo people with the development mantra, and job to a family. YSRCP are banking on the legacy and welfare initiatives of the late Rajasekhar Reddy.
Caste politics play a major role in the constituency, though Velamas are third in the pecking order of the population, they have always enjoyed top positions.
Kalingas, who form the majority of voters, are fighting for their representation, as they are only present in this district. Traditionally Kalingas are Congress vote bank, but in these polls they are likely to go with party that gives maximum representation to their community.
YSRCP is a step ahead in attracting the Turpu Kapu community; they are likely to field Reddi Shanti from either Palasa assembly or Srikakulam parliament.
The leaders are confident that this move will swing the votes of the community in their favour. TDP is banking on the Velama voters, who reportedly have promised on the grave of the late K Yerrannaidu that they will ensure that Yerrannnaidu's son Ram Mohan Naidu and TDP will win the coming polls.
Pawan Kalyan's Jana Sena and his alliance with parties also form an exciting equation as it is believed that he might swing the votes of Turpu Kapus. On the whole it will be a neck and neck between TDP and YSRCP.
News Posted: 27 March, 2014
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