Family politics has been the hallmark of the Assembly constituency, with the Thotas and Jyothulas, who are also close relatives, vying with each other to wrest this segment since 1989. Jaggampeta is presently represented by former Minister Thota Narasimham, who switched loyalty to the Telugu Desam Party. But, he is contesting from the Kakinada Parliamentary constituency this time, leaving his home turf from where he won twice in 2004 and 2009.
In this present election, a triangular fight between the TDP, YSRC and Congress is expected in East Godavari district. After emerging victorious in 1994 and 1999, Thotha Subbarao’s nephew Jyothula Venkata Apparao popularly known as Jyouthula Nehru lost in 2004 as a TDP candidate and in 2009 as a PRP nominee. But, after the PRP-Congress merger, he joined the YSR Congress to try his luck.
Jyothula Chantibabu, who is the TDP in-charge of Jaggampeta, stood third in 2009 elections by securing 33,000 votes and Mr. Narasimham won the seat. Now, Mr. Chantibabu is getting support from Mr. Thota Narasimham’s family and his own Jyothula family.
Bifurcation issueMr. Narasimham’s relative Thota Suryanaryana Murthy alias Thota Ravi is contesting from the segment this time as a Congress candidate at the behest of Union Minister M. M. Pallam Raju. Despite him being a known face in this segment, the rising dissent among the voters against the Congress over bifurcation issue may spell trouble for him. Jaggampeta comprises Gandepalli, Gokavaram, Jaggampeta and Kirlampudi mandals. In 2004 elections, 1,26,225 votes were polled here against the total electorate of 1,56,696. Similarly in 2009, 1,47,301 voters of the total 1,86,347 exercised their franchise.
Irrigation woesAmid this political hubbub, lack of adequate irrigation facilities for the upland farmers has remained a major issue as they largely rely on rain water to cater to their agricultural needs. All the major political parties have made the modernisation of Yeleru canal the main poll agenda. YSRC candidate Jyothula Venkata Apparao had led many agitations over this issue in the past. The TDP leaders also organised several dharnas, rasta rokos demanding solutions to the farmers’ woes.
