Bhimili battle YSRCP, TDP locked in keen fight

With around 3.60 lakh voters comprising both urban and rural, the Bheemunipatnam constituency in Visakhapatnam boasting one of the largest Assembly constituencies in North Andhra districts is brimming with political fervour as the election day draws closer.
Established in 2009 following delimitation orders, Bheemunipatnam has witnessed a political saga unfold over the years. Muttamsetti Srinivasa Rao, who clinched victory in 2009 under the Praja Rajyam Party banner, later switched allegiance to YSRCP. On the other hand, Ganta Srinivasa Rao secured a resounding win in 2014 as a TDP candidate and served as the education minister. The 2024 election marks the third bid for Muttamsetti and the second for Ganta Srinivasa Rao in Bheemunipatnam. Both belonging to the influential Kapu community, heavily rely on Kapu votes, constituting a significant chunk of the electorate.
Ganta Srinivasa Rao has embarked on an extensive campaign trail, starting from Annavaram village, where he garnered substantial support in the previous elections. With the backing of Panchakarla Sandeep, Bheemunipatnam JSP in-charge, and Korada Raja Babu, Bheemunipatnam TDP in-charge, Ganta aims to sweep the majority in all wards. In contrast, Muttamsetti Srinivasa Rao, a two-time MLA, boasts a firm grip on the constituency, bolstered by grassroots support and his daughter’s position as a corporator. Aligning with YSRCP MP candidate Botcha Jhansi Lakshmi and garnering endorsement from TV actors, Muttamsetti is leaving no stone unturned in his bid for re-election.
Bheemunipatnam, once a coastal suburb of Visakhapatnam, has emerged as a pivotal region, witnessing growth in tourism, the aqua industry, and the IT sector. Both parties promise development initiatives, with YSRCP envisioning the area’s prominence under the prospective executive capital status for Visakhapatnam.  
The long-standing land issue of Panchagramalu—encompassing Venkatapuram, Purushothapuram, Vepagunta, Adavivaram, and Cheemalapalli—continues to disrupt the lives of residents despite decades passing. Although initiatives like GO no 578 were introduced during the TDP government’s tenure, the problem remains unresolved, with subsequent administrations unable to provide lasting solutions. Furthermore, residents of Madhurawada, Kommadi, and neighbouring areas express distress over the proliferation of stray animals and inadequate street lighting.