YSR Congress candidate R.K. Roja romped home in Nagari Assembly constituency by defeating TDP strongman and spokesperson Gali Muddukrishnama Naidu, though by a margin of less than 1,000 votes.
It was a dream come true for Ms. Roja, as the much-needed victory came after two bitter defeats in a row, first in Nagari in 2004 and later from Chandragiri in 2009, when she was in the TDP. The triumph assumes significance as she defeated the formidable Muddukrishnama Naidu, who served as Cabinet Minister twice in his political career, spanning three decades. Similarly, the Congress, which was staring at imminent defeat, finally announced the candidature of V. Satya Swaroopa Indira, daughter of former Minister R. Chenga Reddy to wean the women votes away from Ms. Roja. However, the move proved to be futile.
While bursting into tears during an emotionally charged speech to the media in the evening, she attributed the victory to the dedicated effort of every party activist and her family members.
