The political situation has unexpectedly turned one-sided in favour of TDP in Visakhapatnam district. The main factor is Jana Sena party’s strong presence here and it threatens to split anti-government vote considerably. So much so, YCP’s plans to win more seats here may hit a road block. Jana Sena has some winning chances only in one segment and it is giving a tight fight to YCP for second position in many segments.
Minister Ganta Srinivasa Rao is safe in Vizag North. BJP sitting MLA Vishnukumar Raju is lagging behind as there is no advantage of TDP-BJP alliance. Also, anti-Modi sentiment gripped educated sections strongly. YCP candidate KK Raju is a realtor but he is not able to match with poll management of Ganta who has already won over leaders and groups from different communities to his side. In Narsipatnam, Minister Ayyanna Patrudu is better placed as YCP rebels Erra Patrudu and ex MLA Bolem Mutyala Papa joined TDP. The same is the case with Yelamanchili where TDP candidate Panchakarla Ramesh is getting support from YCP rebels as Jagan gave ticket to TDP rebel Kannababu Raju at the last minute.
In Pendurthi and Anakapalli, winning chances of TDP candidates rose considerably after former minister Konatala Ramakrishna quit YCP and joined TDP. Bhimli is turning favourable to YCP candidate and industrialist Avanti Srinivas as TDP gave ticket to Sabbam Hari at the last minute. But final result will depend on how Jana Sena will split votes. Araku ST is now favourable to YCP as many tribal leaders are working for this party. Christianity factor is also having good impact. TDP fielded son of late MLA Kidari Sarveswara Rao who was killed by maoists. TDP candidate Giddi Eeswari has winning chances in Paderu ST as YCP has huge problem from rebel groups.
Chodavaram sees TDP struggling as its candidate KSN Raju has fallen out of favour from many groups. Jana Sena impact is palpable here but it may turn favourable to YCP only. In Madugula, TDP candidate Gavireddy Rama Naidu has good chances as YCP nominee and sitting MLA Budi Mutyala Naidu is facing hostile voters. Moreover, he won with small margin in 2014.
Finally, Jana Senani Pawan Kalyan is fighting a do or die battle in Gajuwaka. It is no longer like in Praja Rajyam days. TDP fielded sitting MLA Palla Srinivasa Rao who was a former leader of PRP and belongs to Yadava community. Pawan will have to depend solely on his charisma here.
In all, TDP has got an edge in all the four South, North, East and West segments in Vizag city, and also in Yelamanchili, Pendurthi, Paderu, Anakapalli, Narsipatnam, Payakaraopeta and Madugula. YCP has winning chances in Araku, Bheemili and Chodavaram while Jana Sena hopes to win Gajuwaka.
