Srikakulam Lok Sabha constituency has been a battlefield for Kalinga and Velama communities for several elections now. Comprising seven Assembly constituencies of Itchapuram, Palasa, Tekkali, Pathapatnam, Srikakulam, Amabadalavalasa and Narasannapeta, Srikakulam Lok Sabha constituency has been a stronghold of TDP during the tenure of Yerran Naidu. However, Killi Kruparani was elected as MP due to a change in political equations in 2009. Later, she went on to become Union minister in the UPA government. Now, Anti-incumbency factor and the image of his father the late Yerran Naidu, gives an edge to TDP aspirant K Rammohan Naidu over others.
Bifurcation of state is all set to show its impact as Srikakulam was one of the places which witnessed strong protests during the Samaikyandhra agitation. Also long pending issues like completion of Vamsadhara Phase-II, the ongoing agitations against the nuclear power plant at Kovvada in Ranasthalam mandal, along with thermal plants at Kakarapalli and Sompeta are some important issues that could change the game for contestants. Srikakulam is known for migration of labourers due to unemployment and it is likely to have an impact on the polls. In the wake of bifurcation and the Centre sanctioning special package to North Coastal Andhra, people of this constituency are demanding funds for the development of infrastructure.
Sitting MP: K Kruparani
Party: Congress
Votes polled: 3,87,694
Total votes: 12,21,288
Nearest rival: Late
K Yerran Naidu (TDP)
Votes polled: 3,04,707