Political battle heats up in V’nagaram Assembly seat

As the election frenzy grips Andhra Pradesh, the spotlight is firmly fixed on the Vizianagaram Assembly constituency, where the battle for power is intensifying. With just a few days left until the polls, the political landscape is charged with anticipation and fervour. The ruling Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) has placed its bet on deputy speaker Kolagatla Veerabhadra Swamy, a member of the Vysya community, banking on the successes of YSRCP’s welfare schemes and developmental projects in the Vizianagaram Municipal Corporation.
In opposition stands Pusapati Aditi Vijayalaxmi Gajapathi Raju of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), representing the Kshatriya community. Having lost her debut election in 2019, she now aims for redemption, carrying forward the legacy of both the TDP and the illustrious Pusapati dynasty in Vizianagaram.
The electoral discourse is centred around long-standing grievances, including the delayed construction of the Tarakarama Teertha Sagar (TTS) project, incomplete infrastructure projects like the Pedda Cheruvu Park and government degree college, and the lack of basic amenities such as house-to-house tap connections. The TTS project, initiated in 2005, remains unfinished despite successive governments’ efforts. The recent escalation of its cost to Rs 817 crore has raised concerns, especially amidst ongoing water crises in several colonies.
Both candidates are making ambitious promises to sway voters. Pusapati Aditi Vijayalaxmi Gajapathi Raju vows to prioritize education, skill development, and women’s employment, citing frustration with the current administration’s alleged shortcomings. On the other hand, YSRCP assures further infrastructural development, including the completion of pending projects and initiatives like the Vizianagaram Hub for youth skill development.
Accusations fly from both camps, with Pusapati Aditi Vijayalaxmi Gajapathi Raju alleging corruption and nepotism against sitting MLA Kolagatla Veerabhadra Swamy and his family. Swamy, in turn, defends his track record and accuses the opposition of neglecting the constituency’s development. As the campaign trail heats up with rallies, promises, and counter-claims, the electorate of Vizianagaram finds itself at a crossroads, weighing past performances against future promises. With crucial issues like infrastructure, water supply, and education at stake, the outcome of this electoral battle will undoubtedly shape the district’s trajectory for years to come.