North Indians play crucial role in Vizag dist

Visakhapatnam: The support of north Indians, who form a sizeable proportion in central public sector units, will brighten the winning chances of candidates in a few segments in the city. Even though there were some differences between the BJP and TDP over Special Category Status (SCS) to Andhra Pradesh and on few other issues, the North Indians have joined election campaign for TDP's candidates from various Assembly segments in the city.

Large number of family members from Gujarat, Punjab, West Bengal, Odisha and Kerala are residing in the city. According to sources, the family members hailing from Gujarat are supporting the BJP while the majority of the other states' voters are supporting the TDP in various segments in the city. After the West Bengal Chief Minister Mamatha Banerjee launched campaign in the city, all the Bengali families are extending support to the TDP.

Visakhapatnam TDP North Indian Committee president Sunil Kumar Balasaria said that Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is a visionary leader and he has been attracting investments for the development and prosperity of the State. "Unless the law and order situation in control, it is very difficult to create an favourable environment for entrepreneurs and businessmen," he said.

"I can understand the issues of our community in the state. All North Indians in the state are not rich people. We are requesting the TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu to form North Indians Welfare Corporation for the welfare the poor. TDP will retain power in the state and we are hoping that the corporation will be a reality," Sunil Kumar Balasaria of Maharashtra said.

There are over 1.2 lakh voters of different parts of India spread in Visakhapatnam West, North, East, South, Gajuwaka and in Bheemili Assembly segments. Majority of North Indians in Vizag are traders, businessmen and employees with various PSUs.

With the stiff competition is likely between the TDP and YSR Congress Party, the candidates are not leaving any chances and attracting the voters with various sops. TDP Visakhapatnam MP contestant M Sri Bharath already conducted interactive sessions with the North Indian voters. Now, the YSRCP MLA contestants are also calling the various North Indian communities and appealing them to support their candidates.