Vamsadhara key issue in Pathapatnam - Srikakulam

Srikakulam: Vamsadhara irrigation project issue will play major role in the victory of candidates in Pathapatnam Assembly segment.

Pathapatnam segment is spread over Pathpatnam, Hiramandal, Kotturu, Meliaputti and L N Peta mandals and it is big segment in terms of geographical area in the district.

Vamsadhara irrigation project is going on across the Vamsadhara river in Hira mandal.

Rampant corruption took place in payment of rehabilitation and resettlement (R&R) package and irregularities occurred in clearing youth package amount.

Ruling TDP government also used police force against land losers, which attracted the wrath of farmers.

Local TDP leaders also put pressure on officials to include names of victims under R&R package.

Opposition YSRCP leaders are often raising the issue to get attention from public.

This time all Vamsadhara project evacuees' decision will play key role in elections.

In total, 36 villages are affected due to the project in Hiramandal and Kotturu mandals.

This time from TDP K Venkata Ramana and on YSRCP ticket R Shanti filed their nominations.

Venkata Ramana elected as MLA in 2014 on YSRCP ticket later he joined TDP.

Pathapatnam segment was formed in 1952 and former President of India V V Giri elected from this segment as MLA.

Noted persons like L Laxman Das, T Tulasi Dasnaidu, K Mohan Rao represented as MLAs from this segment.

In this segment, Turpu Kapu voters outnumber other castes and the two contesting candidates from TDP and YSRCP are belonging to the same caste.

Because of it Turpu Kapu votes may be divided between TDP and YSRCP.

Total voters 2,03, 543,

Male 1,02,406

female 1,01,121