The issues that dominate the election in Kurnool Assembly Constituency include making Kurnool the capital of the residuary state of Andhra Pradesh, construction of a flood protection wall to prevent Handri flooding, underground drainage system and drinking water.
Safe drinking water has been the main concern of the people of Kurnool constituency as the water available now is contaminated most of the time. Going by the bitter experience of nearly five years ago, people of Kurnool town want a safety wall protecting the town from floods in Tungabhadra and Handri rivers. Though an assurance was given, the project is yet to materialise.
Being an important place for trade and commerce in Rayalaseema region, Kurnool is ever bustling with people, which invariably puts pressure on the roads. Traffic had grown significantly over the years. People have been demanding that issues related to traffic are to be addressed as a priority.
Sanitation is another important issue in Kurnool. Though assurances of an underground drainage system and effective garbage disposal have been given time and again, no concrete measures are forthcoming.
With the state bifurcated, people of Kurnool want their city be made the capital of residuary AP since it was the state capital of Andhra before merger with Telangana. They argue that by sacrificing the capital city long ago, they had lost much, an hence need to be compensated by making Kurnool the capital city again.
Caste equations too will play an important role in the outcome of the elections. The so-called traditional vote banks of the political parties appear split in view of the changing political dynamics in the district. Muslims comprise a considerable percentage of voters.
For long, there has been a demand for an MLA from the community. If any party fields a Muslim, it is likely to have an edge.
Sitting MLA: TG Venkatesh
Party: Congress
Votes polled: 68,467
Margin of victory: 44,067
Runner-up: Abdul Gafoor M
Party: CPM
Votes polled: 24,400
Total electors: 2,11,511
Men: 1,05,115
Women: 1,06,396
Poll percentage: 52.94
Total votes polled: 1,11,726
No of contestants: 16
Men: 15
Women: 1
Polling stations: 224
Avg per polling station: 943
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