Vizag North constituency jinxed!

By SNV Sudhir

Visakhapatnam, April 30, 2014:  Vizag North assembly constituency seems to be a jinxed one. A candidate once elected from this constituency never gets another chance to contest or face defeat. Political careers of most of the MLAs represented erstwhile Vizag II, now rechristened Vizag north, doomed.

It was once again proved in these polls also as the sitting MLA, Tainala Vijay Kumar, belonging to Congress has recently switched loyalties to YSRC, but party chief YS Jaganmohan Reddy, has denied ticket to him. YSRC ticket has gone to an entrepreneur and party district convenor, Chokkakula Venkat Rao.

After delimitation, Vizag I and II constituencies were divided into four constituencies- Vizag – North, South, East and West. Earlier, those MLAs of Vizag II, which was later divided into North and South, like, Rajana Ramani, Pinninti Varalakshmi, S Ranga Raju, Palla Simhachalam, never got opportunity to contest once elected or lost the poll.

This time, Chokkakula Venkat Rao is the YSRC candidate and BJP nominee is Vishnu Kumar Raju. Both the candidates are new to politics.  Vizag North seat had gone to BJP as part of poll alliance between TD and the saffron party. Though Congress candidate Gunturu Bharathi is also in fray, fight is expected only between YSRC and BJP candidates.

Rajan Ramani, who once, won from Vizag II assembly segment, later joined Congress. She was never an MLA after that, though subsequently she joined Congress and became city mayor. Rajana Ramani recently rejoined TD at a public meeting in the presence of party chief N Chandrababu Naidu.

Palla Simhachalam, who was also a TD MLA in 1994 from the same constituency, was denied party ticket in the next election. Though he was given chance to contest on a TD ticket again in 2004 he lost to Congress candidate Saripalli Ranga Raju.

 Vizag II TD MLA between 1999 to 2004 Prof Pinninti Varalakshmi, was also denied chance by the party leadership to contest in 2004 polls, marking the end of her political career. She had recently joined YSRC.

In 2009 the then sitting Congress MLA, Saripalli Ranga Raju was denied ticket by the party high command. Congress picked Tainala Vijay Kumar in 2009 who, joined YSRC recently. 

Face to Face: Bolisetty calls for Vizag as capital, AP split is a blessing in disguise, says Congress man

By SNV Sudhir

Visakhapatnam, April 30, 2014: Debutant Satyanarayana Bolisetty is a surprise pick for the Vizag Lok Sabha seat by the Congress. The entrepreneur turned politician is going to face, YS Vijayalakshmi of YSRC and BJP candidate, Kambhampati Haribabu in the upcoming polls. Though he has been a strong supporter of Congress and its policies since long, he was never into direct politics.

In an interview to Deccan Chronicle, Satyanarayana Bolisetty pitched for Vizag as the capital of Andhra Pradesh. He also asserted that he was a local and that his family had lived her since four generations, has a better understanding of city’s problems and that of its people.

Excerpts:

Q: There is an anti Congress wave across Seemandhra due to the state’s bifurcation. What give you confidence to enter the fray?

All parties are responsible for the state’s bifurcation. While BJP leaders said they will divide the state if they come to power, TD politburo endorsed the state’s bifurcation and wrote a letter to Centre. YSRC said its Centre’s discretion on state bifurcation according to Article 3 of the constitution. After taking into all this into consideration, the union government led by UPA, took a decision. In a way, bifurcation is blessing in disguise. We have got so many incentives in the form of tax exemptions, special state status which is normally given to the states having international border, AIIMs, IIT, and IIM etc. We need to explain the public how advantage is state bifurcation for our growth and development. Bifurcation is an opportunity for all of us.

Q: But people are seething with anger due to the way the state bifurcation was done and leaders of opposition like Chandrababu Naidu and BJP prime ministerial candidate, Narendra Modi are also pointing to the same making it as a poll plank?

See the fate of the states that were formed during the NDA regime. There is no development at all. That’s how NDA divided the states.  Nobody was bothered to ask what AP needs during the bifurcation. Without anyone asking it, UPA doled out so many incentives. Due to UPA’s initiatives within no time, state will become Navyandhra Pradesh provided state gets a decisive and expertise leadership, which can be given only by the Congress.

Q: With a perceived Modi Wave across the country and BJP candidate in the fray for Vizag Lok Sabha don’t you think it will have an impact on Vizag, having sizeable urban voters?

There is no such Modi Wave. It was created artificially by some media.  I don’t understand why we should take Gujarat Development model as a benchmark when it’s in the fifth position among the states in the country in overall development parameters. Kerala tops the list and we should follow that model. Congress believes in inclusive growth. In all the growth parameters Gujarat’s performance is worst. Gujarat model is a myth.

Q: What are your priorities and plans for Vizag?

 Being a local and since my family has roots here since four generations I have a better understanding about the local issues and the problems faced by the locals. Being in business I have strived hard to bring in some branding for Vizag and now in public life I have got opportunity to do more for Vizag. Being the only big city in the state after bifurcation world’s focus will definitely shift towards Vizag in the coming days and we should be geared up to take that. Of course we need industries but stringent laws should be imposed to curb pollution. I believe in holistic development and inclusive growth. My first preference would be to make Vizag pollution free, shelters for urban poor. Besides, employment, empowerment, education, environment protection and economic growth are my priorities.

Q: Whats your view on various local groups pitching for Vizag is made capital for the new state?

There is no other city in the state having so many qualities suitable to be a capital. City has cosmopolitan culture, infrastructure, better air connectivity, two sea ports, and huge chunks of land available around. Of course there are some vested interests that are lobbying for other cities to be made capital. But we are not going to allow that to happen. We will fight it out. Vizag is a natural choice with the virtue of so many advantages and a readymade city.

Ends//1:30pm

Telugu NRIs keen on AP

By SNV Sudhir

Visakhapatnam, April 29, 2014:  Looks like NRI Forums away from the state have decided to take an active role in AP politics and rebuilding the new state. A few NRI forums are watching the developments in the state politics keenly.

Telugu NRI Forum, having a global presence in USA, UK, Singapore and Saudi Arabia wanted to become a prominent NRI lobby group which facilitates the investors in various countries to invest in residual Andhra Pradesh to help improve the state’s economic conditions. The Forum also decided to communicate with political parties and support good parties and candidates during elections.

“After the state bifurcation, we see lot of opportunity for residual Andhra Pradesh to build infrastructure for younger generations, as this region needs to build a new capital. Also, Telangana state needs to protect the growth in Hyderabad and ensure that all residents in the state prosper. We also need to protect the people who moved from one area to the other area, and both the states address the common issues amicably,” said the Forum president, Venkat Mondeddu, who lives in Atlanta, USA.

Besides, lending their support to a ‘right’ candidate or party, the Forum will also help to defeat politicians who either helped AP division to take place or who didn’t do enough to stop the division.

Telugu NRI Forum, had lent its support to an NRI, Chandrasekhar Buddha, who is contesting for Vizag Lok Sabha as an independent candidate.  “Chandrasekhar has excellent growth plans for Vizag and it is our intention to leverage his experience for the development of the city.  Telugu NRI Forum supports the need to lay a strong foundation for a cleaner future, in which our kids can have a safe and better future.  To this extent, whatever little we can do to encourage intellectuals like Chandrasekhar Budha, will help achieve our goal,” said Venkat.   

Ground Report: Narsipatnam- Ayyana faces acid test

By SNV Sudhir

Visakhapatnam, April 28, 2014: It’s a do or die situation for the three time MLA and former minister, Ch Ayyana Patrudu in Narsipatnam assembly constituency. Ayyana Patrudu, who lost to a political novice, Bolem Mutyala Papa of Congress, in the last elections, is now facing another new face in the upcoming polls.

YSRC chief YS Jaganmohan Reddy has fielded, ace Tollywood director, Puri Jagannath’s younger brother, Petla Uma Sankar Ganesh. Since, the Congress nominee, Appala Naidu, has, withdrawn his nomination in the last minute giving a jolt to the party, it is expected to be a two pronged fight between Ayyana and Ganesh. Political analysts say that, it will be the end of Ayyana’s political career if he loses the battle this time.  

Families of Ayyana and Ganesh have a long association and are now they are pitted against each other.  While Ayyana Patrudu, has been toiling since more than 2 months to make a come back, Ganesh, a debutant into politics, is striving hard to make a ‘blockbuster’ entry to make a strong base for his political career.

 Being a new face and with no political background or any allegations against him, is said to be working in favour of Ganesh. In Narsipatnam too, like any other assembly segment in the state, its Congress vote bank which is going to decide, a candidate’s fate.

 “Everybody sees the late YSR in Jagan. The kind of response am getting is all due to the belief they have in Jagan. They are all of the opinion that only Jagan can implement, the schemes introduced by his father,” YRC nominee Ganesh told this correspondent.

 Bolem Mutyala Papa, who won on a Congress ticket in 2009 polls, and later defected to YSRC, is said to be perturbed with the party leadership since she was denied the ticket, which may, damage the chances of Ganesh to an extent.

Ayyana Patrudu, was elected to the AP Assembly from the same constituency, for three terms since the party’s inception.  He was also elected as a member of parliament during 1996–98 from Anakapalli constituency. He became a minister in the cabinets of NTR and N Chandrababu Naidu, holding various portfolios, including technical education, forests.  He lost the election from same constituency in 1989 and 2009.

“Now the state is undergoing a peculiar situation due to the state bifurcation and in this scenario, everybody’s looking for Chandrababu Naidu’s, leadership to rebuild Andhra Pradesh. TD is going to bag maximum seats in the state and form government which will benefit the state,” Ayyana Patrudu told this correspondent. 

Ground Report: Bheemili- YSRC cadre bank on Vijayamma, Sharmila in Bheemili

By SNV Sudhir

Visakhapatnam, April 25, 2014: While, YSRC, cadres are sitting pretty banking on charishma of YS Vijayamma and her daughter Sharmila who are expected to take up canvassing shortly, in Bheemili assembly segment, TD candidate, Ganta Srinivasa Rao is leaving no stone unturned and already hit the dusty roads, a week back, for campaigning.

It’s a new constituency for Ganta Srinivas Rao, who recently rejoined TD. He had earlier represented Anakapalle (2009), Chodavaram (2004) as MLA and as an MP from Anakapalle in 1999.

Bheemili was the second municipality in Indian mainland, established in 1861. 150-Years of its formation was celebrated in 2011. Geographically Bheemili is considered as one of the largest constituencies of the 15 assembly segments in the district. Padmanabham, Thagarapuvalasa, Bheemili and Anandapuram are the madals that come under Bheemili constituency.

 Bheemili comes under Vizag parliament segment and YSRC cadre seems to be banking on Vijayamma to bail out the party candidate. Vijayamma is YSRC Lok Sabha candidate. Election enthusiasm is visibly missing among YSRC leaders.

Streets in Bheemili, Anandapuram and Padmanabham mandals are seen packed with TD workers carrying party flags and campaign vehicles. It’s only the TD workers all the way. No YSRC leader is seen nowhere in the constituency.

It was in the last minute that YSRC chief YS Jaganmohan Reddy nominated former Congress MLA, Karri Seetaram, who joined in the eleventh hour, to contest from Bheemili. Jagan dropped, party ticket aspirant Korada Rajababu, who was nurturing the constituency since sometime. Rajababu, last year contested as an independent candidate and secured around 21,000 votes.

Now, YSRC cadres are eagerly waiting for Vijayamma to campaign. Contrary, Ganta Srinivas Rao has been burning midnight oil ever since his candidature was announced by the TD chief Chandrababu Naidu. He is touring no less than 20 villages in a day addressing dozens of meetings. In fact he was the first person to launch campaign among the other candidates. Daily his campaign begins as early as 7 in the morning.

“Our lives never change irrespective of any party or candidate comes to power. But this time we will see the candidate’s background and credibility and vote. What we need is affordable prices of essential commodities, drinking water and power,” said Sundaraiah, a carpenter in Anandapuram.

The TD candidate is also facing a rebel trouble in the constituency.  TD Lok Sabha aspirant, MNC, Kenexa Technologies, former director, Aneeta Sakuru is contesting as rebel- independent candidate. Aneeta’s husband Raghuveer Sakuru who also aspired Bheemili assembly ticket has done groundwork in the constituency for 2 years which was helping Aneeta in her campaign. She earlier vowed to defeat Ganta Srinivas Rao and it was the only aim she was in the fray.

Bheemili, which was proposed to be merged into GVMC, has also been an important issue among others. A G O in this regard was also issued last year. The merger is being opposed by locals and earlier Ganta Srinivas Rao, tried his best for the merger of both Anakapalle and Bheemili municipalities, stating it would help both the towns get more funds under JNNURM and change the face.

“Now that bifurcation is a reality we have to strive for the development of the state. And to do that Naidu in AP and Modi at Centre are the historic necessity. Residents in Bheemili are not at all getting pensions and other welfare schemes are not being implemented,” said Ganta Srinivasa Rao. 

New parties keep old faces

By SNV Sudhir

Visakhapatnam, April 21, 2014: Candidates in the fray for various Assembly segments in Vizag are like old wine in new bottles. Most of the candidates that contested in 2009 are again in the fray this time too, but from different parties. More than half-a-dozen such candidates are contesting in various assembly segments.

In Vizag West, Telugu Desam nominee, PVGR Naidu (Ganababu), contested on a Praja Rajyam party ticket in the last elections and lost to Congress candidate, Malla Vijay Prasad.

In Vizag South, the present YSR Congress nominee, Kola Guruvulu, had contested on a Praja Rajyam party ticket in the last Assembly elections and lost by a narrow margin of a few hundred votes to the Congress’s Dronamraju Srinivas. The Congress has renominated Mr Srinivas to fight for the seat.

In Vizag East, a tight fight is expected between TD candidate and sitting MLA, VRK Babu and YSRC nominee, Vamsi Krishna Srinivas, who lost to the former by a narrow margin last time. In 2009, Mr Vamsi Srinivas contested on a PRP ticket.

Pancharla Ramesh Babu, who fought and won on a PRP ticket in the 2009 polls from Pendurthy, is now contesting on a TDP ticket from another constituency, Yelamanchali.

The YSRC nominee in Pendurthy is Gandi Babji who was the Congress’s candidate in the last polls and lost to Mr Panchakarla Ramesh Babu. This time, Mr Babji will face former minister, Bandaru Satyanrayan Murthy of the TD.

In Gajuwaka, Tippala Nagireddy who contested as an independent, after he was denied a Congress ticket in 2009, is now contesting on a YSRC ticket. He will face the TD’s Palla Srinivas, who contested the Vizag Lok Sabha seat in the last elections from the Praja Rajyam party.

Mr Palla Srinivas got the second highest number of votes after Purandheswari, who won the Vizag Lok Sabha seat. In Payakaropeta, Chengala Venkat Rao, who fought on a TD ticket, is now an YSRC nominee. And in Chodavaram, Karanam Dharma Sri, a Congress nominee in the last elections is YSRC’s candidate this time round.

Interestingly, former minister Ganta Srinivasa Rao, who fought on a PRP ticket from Anakapalle assembly segment, is now a TD candidate from Bheemili segment. Before rejoining TD, Rao, was in Congress for a couple of years due to merger of PRP with the Gran Old Party. 

FACE OFF: Vijayamma heats up Vizag, BJP candidate got only 17,003 votes in 2009

By SNV Sudhir

Visakhapatnam, April 20, 2014: Vizag is set to witness an interesting fight for the Lok Sabha in the wake of YSRC fielding, a non local, YS Vijayamma and BJP state unit chief Kambhampai Haribabu being pitted against her. TD spared Vizag Lok Sabha seat to BJP as part of poll pact between both the parties.

Though the Jai Samaikyandhra Party (JSP) candidate, Sabbam Hari and Congress nominee Bolisetty Satyanarayana are also in the fray, the fight is expected to be only between Vijayamma and Haribabu. Both Sabbam Hari and Bolisetti Sayanrayana are banking on being ‘local’ plank.

While Vijayamma, who is new to city, is  banking on YSR’s legacy, BJP candidate, Haribabu, who is not so popular among masses, is relying on the general Modi wave prevalent across the country and the TD cadre in Vizag.

 During her first election speech before filing nomination, Vijayamma, here on Thursday, evoked sentiments by  stating that her late husband, YSR, always had a special place in his heart for Vizag, indicating that besides, highlighting local issues, YSR’s ‘special affiliation to city’ will also be a major card she is going to play to woo the voters and win the Vizag seat.

Interestingly Vijayamma, had already hit the roads on the campaign trial from the very next day onwards after she filed nomination, ahead of her opponents. BJP candidate is trailing due to confusion that prevailed for almost 2 days on the poll alliance with TD.  He was busy taking part in the discussions between BJP national leaders and TD men on seats adjustments. Haribabu is expected to launch his campaign, from Monday onwards.

 BJP is not so strong in Vizag and academician turned politician Haribabu is completely depending on Modi wave and TD cadre. BJP candidate never won Vizag Lok Sabha and it was Haribabu in 1999 who won Vizag I assembly segment with the support of TD as part of alliance between both the parties.

TD Vizag Lok Sabha candidate in the last elections, MVVS Murthy, secured third place. BJP Lok Sabha candidate, DV Subba Rao could get very less number of votes in the last elections. He could get only 17,003 votes from all the seven assembly segments coming under Vizag Lok Sabha constituency in 2009 polls.

 It will be interesting to see whether the disgruntled TD cadre who lost Vizag Lok Sabha and Vizag north seats to the saffron party, will extend support to the BJP candidate. 

Congress cadres unhappy with contestants

By SNV Sudhir

Visakhapatnam, April 18, 2014:  The Congress seems to have not learnt its lessons even after so many defected from the party, after UPA took the decision to bifurcate the state. There is resentment among the party cadres, in Vizag, on the selection of candidates for various Assembly segments.

The party workers are openly expressing displeasure over selecting candidates for Vizag East and Gajuwaka segments. While Vizag east ticket was given to D Prabha Gowd who is very new to the party, Gajuwaka ticket was given to an outsider, film actor Sudhakar Naidu (GV).

Prabha Gowd, had only last month defected YSRC and joined Congress after she was denied ticket there. GV is new to Gajuwaka and no party worker knows him. He is completely new to the constituency. There were several aspirants for both Vizag East and Gajuwaka seats.

In Gajuwaka former mayor, Pulusu Janardhan Rao and INTUC district president Mantri Rajasekhar, aspired to get party tickets. They both organised many meetings to garner support of their followers in the constituency.  But to their dismay, Congress central leadership decided to field GV.

 On Tuesday Congress workers ransacked the party office with strong protests criticizing that party has allotted tickets to outsiders, disregarding services of local people. Seva Dal volunteers shouted slogans against the party, that even district and city presidents were not informed of the candidates being selected for various constituencies, in and around the city.

Irate workers also burnt flexis of Botsa Satyanayana  at the party office in Yellammathota. They criticized that offering tickets to outsiders has turned out to be a practice in the party without communicating to local leaders.

On Friday too, a group of party workers staged a protest at a meeting held with Congress leaders to discuss about electioneering in the coming days as most of the party candidates have already filed nominations. The irate workers raised slogans against the party leadership and demanded that Mantri Rajasekhar be given Gajuwaka ticket, to contest.

 Rajyasabha member, T Subbarami Reddy had to pacify, former corporator, Banala Srinivas who aspired for party nomination to contest from Vizag North. That ticket had gone to G Bharathi Venkateswari, wife of a Congress leader.

Political language: ‘Jobs for locals’ raked up

By SNV Sudhir

Visakhapatnam, April 12, 2014:  Leaders and candidates of various political parties, with an eye on Assembly elections, are all set to woo locals in their canvassing with a promise of jobs in local industries in Vizag.

The city, home to thousands of migrants from various towns and cities across the state and country, has allegedly seen locals being left behind in various small and big industries, PSUs and MNCs.

An advertisement on local FM radio station has a conversation between two persons where one of them asks another not to leave the city as a particular party candidate, if voted to power will provide jobs in the local industries.

One of them also says that successive local public representatives have failed to ensure locals get the jobs in the industries and need not worry as the regional party candidate if elected will ensure that locals given priority for all the jobs.  

The radio advertisement has caught many an attention. The advertisement targeted at locals, however, didn’; go down well with the outsiders, who are settled here for quite sometime.

 “Jobs in private or government sector should be decided on merits and talents, but not on the place of origin. These kind of campaigns will only dent the image of Vizag, which is being looked upon as a promising investment destination an dthe next big city pos bifurcation of the state. It will also lead to an acrimonious relationship between locals and settles from fraway places,” rued Rana Singh of Rajasthan, who has been living in Vizag for five years.

The strong ‘local’ feeling among the voters became evident when the PRP candidate in 2009 polls, Palla  Srinivas, a native of Vizag, could secure more than 3 lakh votes. He stood second pushing the strong TD candidate, MVVS Murthy to third.

He lost to the Congress candidate, D Purandheswari, with very little margin of 60,000 votes. It was the feeling ‘local’ that ensured Srinivas, a political novice, get so many votes in lakhs.

Anakapalle MP Sabbam hari too recently jumped into the bandwagon to use ‘local’ plank. Earlier he accused that non locals are actually disturbing the local fabric and culture. He also said he will be in the fray from Vizag Lok Sabha seat if other parties field non locals and outsiders. 

Young guns, techies in poll fray

By SNV Sudhir

Visakhapatnam, April 17, 2014:  Young guns and techies are in the poll fray from various assembly and  Lok Sabha segments across North Andhra. US educated, TD senior leader K Yerran Naidu’s son, Ram Mohan Naidu, 28, is contesting for Srikakulam Lok Sabha on a TD ticket.

Former Congress MP, late Gudivada Gurunadha Rao’s son, Gudivada Amar who is also just 28 is in the poll fray for Anakapalle Lok Sabha.

An IIT Chennai graduate, Lokula Gandhi, 35, is contesting from Paderu assembly segment, reserved for STs, on a BJP ticket.

A London based NRI, Chandrasekhar Buddha, who developed vision document for the new state is also contesting as an independent candidate for Vizag Lok Sabha.

An MBA graduate from the Long Island University, USA, Ram Mohan Naidu, did his schooling in Delhi Public School, R  K Puram, New Delhi. He was spotted taking a prominent place in the grand meeting organised in  Vizag to mark the conclusion of TD chief N Chandrababu Naidu’s ‘epic’ padayatra,  ‘Vastunna Meekosam’ in last April.

Though politics was in his blood, Naidu had to take plunge into politics at a very early age to continue his father TD strong man Yerran Naidu’s legacy. “Politics has been always on my mind but never thought I will get into it so early. I will continue the good work my father has begun and want to see Chandrababu Naidu, who is a visionary, as AP chief minister to develop the new state,” said Ram Mohan Naidu. He has been doing ground work in Srikakulam since his father’s untimely death in Nov 2012.

Gudivada Amarnath, 28, was a surprise pick by the party chief Jagan to contest from Anakapalle Lok Sabha segment. At 21 he was elected as corporator on TD ticket. Later miffed with former minister Ganta Srinivas Rao and other Congress MLAs, joining TD, Amarnath along with his mother, Nagamani, joined YSR Congress. Jagan chose him to contest from Anakapalle. Amar, holds a B Tech degree.

“I want to continue the good work and legacy of my father. I will ensure that Anakapalle witness some development. Am quiet confident that if am elected we can do some best work under the leadership of Jagan who is also young and dynamic. We will all work together for the development of the state, which is possible only by YSRC and Jagan.” said Amarnath.

Anakapalle was once represented by Amar’s father Gurunatha Rao. Interestingly, fight for Anakapalle Lok Sabha, will be between Guru and Sishya. Amar studied B Tech at Avanti engineering college owned by TD Lok Sabha candidate Mutamsetti Srinivas Rao.

A mechanical engineer from IIT Chennai, Lokula Gandhi, hailing from, a remote Sarabanapalem village coming under Koyyuru Mandal, in Vizag Agency, had no interest in joining politics. On the locals request he took a plunge into politics. He quit a lucrative job with Kuwait government and now contesting from Paderu Assembly segment on a BJP ticket. Before entering politics, he was into social service and charity through ‘Thodu charitable trust’. Going abroad was also never on his mind. But, after spending 10 years in India, after coming out of IIT Chennai, he had flown to Kuwait to earn enough money to fund his Trust.

 “I know the living conditions and standards in Vizag Agency tracts. Am not saying that I can change everything overnight, but there should be some initiative. Somebody should begin at some point. Agency areas need better schools, hospitals and many other basic facilities,” said Lokula Gandhi, son of a farmer.

  Former CEO of, HiJobs, Chandrasekhar Buddha, now runs New World Software based in Banglore. Though he initially started the software firm in Vizag he had to shift it to Banglore due to power cuts, which he says mirrors the underdevelopment of the city.

“My personal opinion is to vote for some local candidate who wishes to develop the region as for the past 25 years no local candidate has won from Vizag. Non locals who don’t have any attachment with the land here have ruined the beautiful city. Otherwise by now, city would have overtaken many other so called big cities in the country,” said the techie entrepreneur.

 He also prepared a Vision 2020 document for Vizag’s development and filed nomination for Vizag Lok Sabha as an independent candidate. 

TD promises Bhadradri division

By SNV Sudhir

Visakhapatnam, April 16, 2014: Inclusion of the Bhadhrachalam division into Andhra Pradesh, have become a part of TD’s manifesto for this region.  This may irk party cadre in Telangana region and play a spoilsport for the poll chances of the regional party on the other side of the border.

Inclusion of certain villages coming under Bhadhrachalam and Palvancha divisions of Telangana’s Khammam district, that face submergence in the wake of construction of Polavaram multipurpose project, has become a bone of contention during the state bifurcation.

Telangana leaders cutting across party lines opposed such move and TRS chief KCR many a times raked up the issue. Though the union cabinet proposed certain amendments to the AP Reorganisation Bill on transferring these villages to Seemandhra region to facilitate the construction of multipurpose project, the proposal was dropped later, probably coming under pressure from the Congress Telangana leaders.

The union government has also failed to bring in any ordinance in this regard. TD party manifesto posters of Andhra Pradesh have clearly promised early completion of Polavaram project along with inclusion of Bhadhrachalam division into Andhra Pradesh, if voted to power.  

Interestingly the party’s official manifesto for Andhra Pradesh has only a mention on early completion of Polvaram project but nothing about inclusion of  these villages into Seemandhra. However, the issue figures prominently in the posters that are seen everywhere in Vizag.

Party posters have highlighted 5 issues including inclusion of Bhadhrachalam division into AP. Other issues found place in posters are IT corridor in Vizag, international airports at Vizag, Vijayawada and Tirupaty, 15,000 mw of power generation, IITs, IIMs, central universities two each in Rayalaseema and coastal Andhra regions. 

As per the estimates of irrigation experts and the state government Polavaram project submerges 276 villages with an average population  of   642 per village. Of the 276 villages 204 are in the present Khammam district of Telangana.  Out of these 204 villages 121 are in Bhadrachalam Revenue Division and the remaining in Palvancha division.  Bhadhrachalam revenue division was part of East Godavari district in Seemandhra region until 1959.

Union cabinet gave a nod to transfer certain villages excluding the Bhadrachlama town that houses famous lord Rama temple to Seemandhra but an ordinance in this regard is awaited. Kavuri Sambasiva Rao and D Purandeswari who recently resigned from the union cabinet and the Congress party also found fault with the union government for not bringing in ordinance for the transfer of these villages into the new AP.

Package will do magic: Deo, Union minister says division is blessing in disguise for state

By SNV Sudhir

Visakhapatnam, April 11, 2014: Amid seemingly bleak prospects for Congress in Assembly and Parliamentary constituencies acros 13 districts of coastal Andhra and Rayalseema regions, union tribal affairs and panchayat raj minister, Vyricherla Kishore Chandra Deo, expressed confidence that the special package announced by the union government for the new state will turn around the fortunes of the party in both the regions.

In an interview with this newspaper, the union minister said, the bifurcation is a blessing in disguise and the provisions of the package announced by the Centre would change the face of this region in the coming 10 years.

“Its not just an oral assurances given by  the union government everything is incorporated in the AP Reorganisation Bill, which was passed in both the houses of the parliament and became an Act. It’s a commitment made by the Parliament. For instance, the special category status that was given to AP is normally given to those states having international borders. But the centre considered AP as a special case. There will be virtual tax holiday for 5 years. Industrial corridor proposed between Vizag and Chennai will bring rapid development. With IIT, IIM, IIIT and many other premier institutions all the areas in the state will prosper. All this will definitely work in the favour of Congress,” said Deo.

The veteran Congress leader, once again made a strong pitch for Vizag as the capital of the new state and decentralization of development and growth all across the new state to avoid Hyderabad’s capital centric model.  Deo felt that Vizag having good infrastructure, cosmopolitan culture, better air connectivity, two sea ports, strategic location on the Kolkata-Chennai highway is most suited as the capital city.

“You need not begin right from the scratch if Vizag is made the capital. The argument that an ideal capital should be in the centre of the state is wrong. Capital cities right from Delhi, Jaipur to Trivandrum were not in the center of their respective states. But there should be decentralized development and it should be spread all over the state,” he said.

The five- time MP, suggested that an agriculture university be set up in East Godavari, a petroleum varsity in West Godavari, Vijayawada be made a hub for industries and commercial activity, and high court bench can be set up in Rayalaseema.

He also pointed out that one assembly session can be held in Rayalaseema districts like it happens in Ladakh and a skeletal secretariat, headed by a special chief secretary cadre senior officer could be set up in Rayalseema to dispose of pleas, give permissions for projects and various proposals.

 

The Zamindar of Kurupam in neighbouring Vizianagaram district, Deo, exuded confidence that his brave fight opposing bauxite mining and thousands of crores of funds under various UPA’s flagship schemes, he facilitated to be pumped into the 7 assembly segments coming under Araku parliament constituency will help him retain the seat.

Araku parliament constituency, which is reserved for STs, was formed due to the delimitation process that took place before 2009 polls. Until then, 67 year old Deo represented Parvathipuram constituency having almost the same assembly segments.  

Araku, is considered as one of the largest parliament constituencies having 7 assembly segments spread in four districts of Vizag, Vizianagaram, Srikakulam and East Godavari.  He won the Araku segment with a margin of 1.92 lakh votes in the last polls.

AAP undecided over candidate for Vizag Lok Sabha seat, yet to finalise list

By SNV Sudhir

Visakhapatnam, April 10, 2014:  The newest entrant into India’s political landscape, Aam Admi Party (AAP) seems to be weighing its options and undecided on fielding candidate for Vizag Lok Sabha seat.

Though the party leadership, finalized candidates for Vizianagaram and Srikakulam seats, after holding interviews with the aspirants, they are yet to find a suitable candidate to contest from Vizag Lok Sabha constituency. Party has received over than 50 applications and interviews were also conducted at Hyderabad by a party panel.

According to party insiders no candidate was impressive and suitable to carry the party forward in Vizag, which is considered as the only urban conglomeration after Hyderabad and only one in the successor state of Andhra Pradesh having good base of urban and youth voters. They don’t want a poor show to affect party’s future in Vizag.

The party leaders are of the opinion that a defeat in Vizag  Lok Sabha will have a negative impact on the party prospects in the municipal corporation polls which are likely to be held after general elections.

The main focus of the local AAP leaders seems to be to strengthen the base, to contest and bag Vizag municipal corporation to have a better connect with the urban voters.

“Though we wanted to field a candidate for Vizag Lok Sabha we are still thinking whether to be in the fray or not this time. We have not found a right candidate yet. We don’t want to take chances in Vizag which is very important for us on the long run and in future. Our candidate’s defeat would have a negative impact on the party chances in municipal polls,” a party insider having knowledge about Vizag developments told this correspondent.

Normal lawyers, doctors, software developers and young entrepreneurs are among those who applied for Vizag seat. There are no prominent faces among the applicants.

The party active membership also said to have reached 60,000 numbers. When the membership drive was launched in the first week of January, around 1,000 persons were enrolled in just 2 days. Against the target of 1 lakh memberships by March only close to 20,000 till last month.

“As of now we are still evaluating some candidates. Since there is almost a week’s time for the nominations to be filed we are confident of selecting a candidate by then,” local AAP coordinator, Abhishek Banthia told this correspondent. 

TD’s alliance blues

By SNV Sudhir

Visakhapatnam, April 5, 2014:  Even if BJP gets Vizag loksabha seat under the poll pact with TD, it will be tough going for the saffron party candidate. Dashing the national party’s hope to add one seat to its MP tally, sources in the TD, said that the party cadre has decided not to extend support to the BJP candidate.

It is reliably learnt that the TD cadre has decided not just show the back, but may also not hesitate to work against the BJP candidate.    

With not much support base, the saffron party has no other choice than to depend on TD for its candidate’s win. BJP candidate has never won the Vizag loksabha seat until now, except, Vizag 1 constituency in 1999 and city mayor chair, a couple of times earlier.

TD- BJP poll pact talks in Andhra Pradesh are said to have reached a deadlock over Vizag and Vijayawada Lok Sabha seats, which two parties are not ready to spare.

Both TD and BJP are banking on the many youngsters and urban voters coming under Vizag parliament constituency having S Kota, Vizag East, West, North, South, Gajuwaka and Bheemili assembly segments. TD local leaders are said to be irked with the BJP’s demand for Vizag seat. In TD, former minister, Ganta Srinivasa Rao and IT firm  Kenexa’s former director, Aneeta Sakuru are in the race for the Lok Sabha ticket.

Aneeta, an MBA graduate from, Kellog School of Management, Illinois in US, has been nurturing the hopes of contesting from Vizag Lok Sabha seat and seen preparing ground over two years, by actively participating and organizing many party related activities and programmes.

On the other hand, though former minister Ganta Srinivas Rao, who rejoined TD recently, is interested in contesting from any assembly constituency, TD chief Naidu is said to be interested in fielding Rao either from Anakapalle or Vizag Lok Sabha seat.

BJP, which wanted the Vizag seat for it’s AP unit chief, Kambhampati Haribabu, is banking on the ‘Modi wave’ as majority coming under Vizag Lok Sabha segment are urban voters.

 Meanwhile, hundreds of TD activists especially, women, staged a dharna at the party office in Ramnagar on Saturday, demanding TD chief Naidu not to allot Vizag loksabha seat to BJP.

They vowed to defeat the BJP candidate if their demand is not considered. “Vizag Lok Sabha seat should be given to TD candidate only. It will be good if it’s given to a woman candidate. We are not ready to accept a BJP candidate,” said Lakshmi, a TD activist. 

Leaders cherish seniors’ absence

By SNV Sudhir

Visakhapatnam, March 31, 2014: Though there are reports that Congress will face a rout in Andhra Pradesh, surprisingly in Vizag, Congress leadership received 120 applications from the aspirants to contest from 15 assembly and 3 Lok Sabha seats in the district.

These aspirants, mostly second rung leaders feel that it is an opportunity for them and will help them in future to establish as leaders in the absence of prominent leaders. Most of the prominent faces left Congress to join either YSRC or TD after the Congress led UPA took the decision to divide the state. The Congress aspirants feel that the national party has future if not immediately, but after a decade.

Of the total seven Congress MLAs in the district only 2 remained in the party. Only former minister, P Balaraju and former government whip, Dronamraju  Srinivas Rao are the prominent faces now in the party. It was these two leaders who have to sweat it out with other second rung leaders to make arrangements for the Congress leaders Bus Yatra in Vizag.

 Though the Bus Yatra proved to be a flop show in Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts, Vizag workers meet has saved some grace to the party giving hope to the leaders who wanted to be with Congress.

“I have chosen Congress much before the decision on state bifurcation was out. It’s not fair to desert the party when it is in troubles. Am not an opportunist. As I chose to be with Congress I will continue. I feel critical and forward looking legislations were actually done by Congress.  Now everybody’s focus should be on rebuilding the successor state of Andhra Pradesh as the state bifurcation is a reality. This can happen only with the Congress leadership having the blend of both youth and veteran faces. I could have too defected to other parties like others, but wanted to be with the Congress, whether it comes to power or not is secondary. I strongly feel UPA III will be formed. Even if we sit in opposition we will not stop serving people,” said Thota Vijayalakshmi, whose name is doing the rounds to be the Congress candidate for either Vizag or Anakapalle loksabha seat.

Vijayalakshmi, who is the party farmers wing state co chairperson, has been with the Congress for a decade and missed the chance to contest for Pendurthy assembly constituency in 2009 polls. 

Though her candidature was initially announced for Pendurthy seat in the list released by AICC, in a later development, sitting MLA, Gandi Babji was given a chance and he lost to a PRP candidate, Panchakarla Ramesh Babu. Vijayalakshmi is one example that it’s a chance for the second rung, grass root and other neglected group.

Fairer sex inconspicuous in Telugu Desam candidates list

By SNV Sudhir

Visakhapatnam, April 9, 2014:  While the Congress and YSRC has been chanting woman mantra and made every effort to tap into the female electorate by fielding woman candidates, the TD, on the contrary, hasn’t awarded ticket to a single member of the fairer sex for the five Lok sabha constituencies in the three districts of north Andhra.

Women voters outnumber their male counterparts in 10 of 15 assembly constituencie sin Vizag district. The second-rung leaders of various parties are trying to lure them by dolling out pulses, rice, sarees, some kitchen utensils and electronic goods. But women are not being given tickets to contest from Assembly or Parliament constituency.

Of the total electorate of 32,19,585 in Vizag, which will go up further, the number of male voters is 16,03,107 and the women voters are 16,16,299 in number, almost 13,192 more than men.

YSRC chief, YS Jaganmohan Reddy has decided to field either his sister Sharmila or mother YS Vijayamma, former government official, Kothapalli Geeta, Reddy Shanthi for Vizag, Araku and Srikakulam parliament constituencies.  

Congress announced Botsa Jhansi and Thota Vijayalakshmi and Killi Kruparani as candidates for Viziangaram, Anakapalle and Srikakulam parliament constituencies respectively. But TD reportedly has not fielded any female candidate in any of the five constituencies in the three districts.

Of the 5 lok sabha segments in north Andhra, TD chief N Chandrababu Naidu has announced candidates for Vizianagaram and Srikakulam. Viziangaram ticket has gone to party veteran leader, Ashok Gajapathi Raju and Srikakulam ticket to late K Yerran Naidu’s son Ram Mohan Naidu.

Two seats Vizag and Araku had gone to the saffron party under TD-BJP poll pact. And the Anakapalle lok sabha seat is likely to go to either former minister Ganta Srinivas Rao or Bheemili MLA, Muttamsetti Srinivas Rao.

In the first list of party candidates announced for assembly and parliament in Andhra Pradesh, only one woman’s name- former minister K Prathibha Bharathi for Rajam assembly constituency in Srikakulam district- figured.

“TDP has always been a supporter of women in politics. The likes of Pratibha Bharati and Kutuhalamma are examples of such women empowerment. In 2014, we haven't finalised the list of Lok Sabha candidates yet. I am confident that some of us will make the list,” TD Vizag lok sabha aspirant and former director of IT giant Kenexa technologies, Aneeta Sakuru told this correspondent.

India’s first Steel Park to come up in Vizag at a cost of Rs 650cr

By SNV Sudhir

Visakhapatnam, April 8, 2014:  India’s first ‘Steel Park’ with a unique plug and play concept is set to come up at Parawada in Vizag. The steel park promoters will provide raw material, space, technology and marketing for at least 20 firms in one place.

The over all capacity of the industrial park is likely to be approximately 7-8lakh tonnes per annum and captive power plant of 25MW. Korean technology will be used for steel production. The Park, at an investment of around Rs 650 crs will come up with centralized facilities. Work is expected to commence in June.

The new Steel Park will help steel making industries to expand their capacity. Various end to end products will be produced at the Park. It will come up on an area of 102 acres with common areas for the ancillary units guided by a pilot company which will be accommodated in the premises. 

Facilities like effluent treatment plant, water treatment plant, guest houses, labor quarters,  raw material storage, end product storage house, mechanical sheds, internal material handling logistics, will be provided commonly to all the units.

“This will be an entirely new concept. A new enthusiastic entrepreneur or those having an established steel factory and wanted to expand their capacities can just walk in to our ‘Steel Park’  with their requirements. We will provide everything for them from logistics to infrastructure on lease basis and raw material. More ancillary units, there will be good employment also,” the promoter of the Park, Lalitanjali Group, CEO, Rahul Rao told this newspaper.

The Lalitanjali Group has recently acquired, Centom Industries, which is one of India's top specialists in extra high voltage contracting, ferrous alloys and steel industries with a 3000 tonnes manufacturing facility based out of Durgapur in West Bengal.

Explaining the reason for selecting Vizag for setting up the Steel Park, Rahul Rao said two major ports, better air connectivity, cheap landing cost of raw material and strategically located nearer to south Asian markets worked in its favour.

But, non availability of power is the major disadvantage, for which they have planned a captive power plant, to use heat generated during the steel production to generate power.

“The landing cost of the raw material that comes from other countries will be very less in Vizag when compared to other states. For instance, there will be at least $ 5 to $ 6 dollar difference per ton on the raw material landed in Gujarat than here. In Vizag it will be lesser. Steel market in south Asia is set to boom and there is no other place better than Vizag to set up steel factories to target that market,” added Rahul. 

Race for Vizag LS seat heats up in the BJP, Kavuri joins the race

By SNV Sudhir

Visakhapatnam, April 7, 2014:  With reports of Vizag loksabha seat having gone to the saffron party under BJP-TD poll pact, competition among various aspirants within the party,has heated up.  

The race is said to be mainly among Party AP unit, chief, Kambhampati Haribabu, former union minister, D Purandeswari, who defected to the BJP from Congress last month and Kavuri Sambasiva Rao, another union minister who resigned and is now waiting to join BJP too.

It is reliably learnt that, TD has agreed to spare, Vizag, Araku, Narasapuram, Rajampeta and Tirupaty loksabha seats to BJP in Andhra Pradesh. The BJP also wanted Vijayawada seat to accommodate, either former union minister D Purandeswari or yet to be inducted veteran, Kavuri Sambasiva Rao. But, the last ditch efforts by the BJP to secure Vijayawada seat didn’t yield any positive outcome.

Though BJP’s state unit chief Kambhampati Haribabu was the obvious choice for the party ticket, there are reports that former local MP, Purandeswari or Kavuri Sambasiva Rao are also being considered, in case if YSRC chief Jaganmohan Reddy, decides to field his sister, Sharmila, who seems to be the strong contender, from Vizag.

Jagan is yet to decide on Vizag candidate. He had already announced candidates of 4 out of the 5 loksabha seats in three districts of north Andhra barring Vizag. During a meeting with her supporters to inform them about her decision to join, BJP, last month, Purandeswari, openly expressed her desire to contest from Vizag again on the BJP ticket if the party leadership gave her a chance.  

However, the former union minister made it clear that, she is joining the party unconditionally and would contest from wherever, party, wants her to. Purandeswari, who debuted into politics in 2004, had won from Narasaraopeta and in 2009 contested from Vizag and won the seat.  Now, all eyes are on Purandeswari,  and Kavuri, whether they would be asked by the BJP bosses to contest from Vizag to face, YSRC star campaigner, Sharmila or will be fielded from the remaining 4 seats spared by TD.

Kavuri Sambasiva Rao is also a close relative of local TD strong man and former Vizag MP, MVVS Murthy.

Interestingly, BJP doesn’t have any prominent face or cadre base in Vizag Agency in which Araku parliamentary constituency is part. Congress had already announced sitting MP and union tribal affairs minister, V Kishore Chandra Deo, as its candidate from Araku

Samaikyandhra activists take poll plunge

By SNV Sudhir

Visakhapatnam, April 4, 2014: Student leaders, who were actively involved in Samaikyandhra movement since Dec 9, 2009, are testing their political fortunes. While Samaikyandhra students JAC state convenor, Adari Kishore joined BJP and aspiring to contest for any assembly segment, other leaders, Lagudu Govind joined former CM Kiran’s Jai Samaikyandhra Party (JSP) and Areti Mahesh is contesting as an independent for Vizag loksabha.

Mahesh and Lagudu Govind along with many students of Andhra University, staged demonstrations, rasta rokos, organised bandhs and observed huger strikes, many times ever since the union government announced creation of Telangana on December 9, 2009.

Though, the former chief minister and the self styled Samaikyandhra champion, N Kiran Kumar Reddy, has launched JSP, not many students of Andhra University and the local youth are interested in joining the party.

Kiran time and again appealed those actively participated in united Andhra movement to join his party and also offered preference over party tickets to them to contest in the assembly polls.

But the students are not keen in joining JSP. And a meeting with youngsters in the last month by Kiran also proved disastrous.

“We all agree to the popular mood that Kiran Reddy never responded when his action was needed. He indirectly facilitated passing of AP Reorganisation Bill in the state Assembly. It was during his regime that total government machinery and staff was busy sending inputs to Centre on sharing of various assets and other bifurcation related information to prepare the draft bill. It all happened right under his nose,” said Areti Mahesh.

He is now burning midnight oil to garner support for his new endeavour-contesting as an independent for Vizag loksabha.

 The student leader added that, non locals are ruling the roost and neglecting the development of Vizag. My contest is only to put pressure on the candidates of other parties to make changes to their respective manifestos on Vizag development, he added. 

TD leaders sore over BJP tie-up

By SNV Sudhir

Visakhapatnam, April 3, 2014:  After the entry of four Congress MLAs along with former minister, Ganta Srinivasa Rao, into TD, its now seat sharing with BJP that has pushed party aspirants and cadre into disarray.

As part of alliance with the TD in Andhra Pradesh, BJP, is insisting on Vizag north, south and Gajuwaka constituencies, along with Vizag loksabha seat. Especially, the fate of newly joined MLAs is said to be uncertain.

It is learnt that they have joined TD based on the assurances given by party chief N Chandrababu Naidu that they will be given chance to contest from their sitting seats again in these polls. But there seems to be lot of competition for the party tickets in these constituencies.

While two newly joined MLAs, Ch Venkataramaiah and Panchakarla Rameshbabu have been aspiring to contest from Gajuwaka and north constituencies, TD city convenor, Vasupalli Ganesh Kumar, who has been actively involved in parry activities since more than 4 years is a strong contender for the Vizag south constituency.

Even as the TD leadership is struggling to accommodate its longtime leaders in the wake of new inductions, alliance with BJP will prove to be another  major headache for Naidu.  

It will be an herculean task for Naidu to satisfy both- party leaders and those who joined recently.

In Gajuwaka constituency, newly inducted PRP leader, Palla Srinivas Rao, is also in the race for TD ticket. For Vizag south constituency, former Vuda chairman and Ex MLA, SA Rehman is also aspiring for the party ticket to contest.

There are reports that if Vizag north goes to BJP, the local aspirant, Panchakarla Ramesh Babu will be accommodated in Yelamanchali, which may irk the sitting MLA, UV Ramanamurthy Raju (Kannababbu), who also joined TD recently.

Meanwhile it is learnt that, TD is in favour of only allotting Vizag south and Araku assembly segments to BJP. The saffron party has once won Vizag South, which was called Vizag-1 before delimitation. BJP AP unit chief, Kambhampati Haribabu won Vizag-1 in 1999.  

Balayya keen on fighting from Hindupur

By SNV Sudhir

Visakhapatnam, April 1, 2014:  Actor Balakrishna, seems to be getting ready for a showdown with his brother in law and party chief, N Chandrabbau Naidu ahead of the elections.

Balakrishna, who is on a tour to Vizag to celebrate the success of his just released movie ‘Legend’ has confirmed that he will be contesting the upcoming polls and will meet Naidu, in a day or two to discuss where to contest from.

It is learnt that he has already sent a word to Naidu that he is interested in contesting assembly elections from Hindupur in Anantapur district. Political say that it will be a ‘headache’ for Naidu if Balakrishna entered the assembly as he may stake claim to Chief Minister’s post if TD comes to power.

Actor Balakrishna, who will be contesting the upcoming polls, said, “The Telugu Desam was founded by my father N.T. Rama Rao. I wish to be in active politics to fulfil the aims and ideals of my father. I will contest in the forthcoming elections. I will divulge from where I will contest from after discussing it with party chief Chandrababu Naidu. I will be meeting him in a day or two after going back to Hyderabad.”

The actor visited Simhachalam to offer prayers to the presiding deity, Lord Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy, on his film’s success.

Talking to reporters after offering prayers, Balakrishna that he was ready to contest from any place in the state and was open to contest either Lok Sabha or Assembly elections.

The actor also made it clear that to fulfill his father’s ideals, he would be in active politics while continuing his acting career.

TDP workers and fans were seen in an upbeat mood with the actor’s visit to Vizag and high-pitched slogans welcomed him wherever he went. Director of Legend Boyapati Sreenu and other members of the unit accompanied Balakrishna to the Simhachalam temple.