Turpu Kapu votes crucial in Palakonda

Srikakulam: Turpu Kapu voters are crucial in Palakonda Assembly segment though it was reserved for STs. The segment was formed in 1951 and reorganised in 2009 and currently Palakonda, Sitampeta,Veeragattam and Bhamini mandals are covered under the segment. In total, 14 times elections have been conducted for this segment till 2014. TDP candidates elected four times and Congress four times.

Swatantra party two times and Socialist party also won on two occasions. Independent candidate elected once and in 2014 elections, YSRCP won in this segment. Sitting MLA V Kalavati again filed her nomination on Friday on YSRCP ticket. From TDP, N Jayakrishna is in contest.

In this segment scheduled tribe voters also more in number after Turpu Kapu. Contesting candidates must woo Turpu Kapu voters for winning. Jana Sena and Left parties fielded Dr DVG Shankar Rao. In Palakonda, Veeragattam, Bhamini, Sitampeta mandals, Turpu Kapu voters are more in number and second place was occupied by Scheduled Tribe voters.