Veerabhadra Swamy turns giant killer

Vizianagaram: K Veerabhadra Swamy, MLC of YSRCP, has created a record by defeating two from a same family in the two elections. Veerabhadra Swamy won against Aditi Gajapathi, daughter of Ashok Gajapathi Raju of Vizianagaram in this elections. Aditi has no other recognition rather than the daughter of Ashok.

But she has been in the politics for the past one year and participating in party programmes. She was offered MLA ticket from the TDP and Veerabhadra Swamy contested on behalf of YSRCP. At the same time, Ashok Gajapathi Raju contested as MP from the same Vizianagaram Lok Sabha constituency. But Swamy has created a record victory and won over Aditi.

This time the voters especially BC people have raised their voice against the allotment of MLA ticket. The polarisation of BC votes also caused for bitter result to Aditi and his father. The BCs has supported Veerabhadra Swamy who is always in public and attends every function and programme in the houses of the leaders and cadre.

A PG student here stated "How a dad and daughter can contest from a same constituency. Why can't they choose some other candidate from Kapu, Yadava, or some other BC communities. It shows that the members of royal families are born to rule and the others should be under their hands. So, the people have shown the power of vote and casted against the family."

Interestingly, Ashok Gajapathi Raju was also defeated in the hands of Swamy during 2004 Assembly elections. Swamy had won over Ashok in that election as an independent. Even the voters felt that if Aditi wons, the people won't meet her directly and they can't explain the grievances in easy way. All these factors have favoured Swamy to win in the election with 5,380 majority.