Vizianagaram district has always been known for the politics of royal families. The region has old estates, and the two famous forts continue to stand as symbols of its history.
For decades, the Vizianagaram royal family dominated politics through the TDP, while the Bobbili royal family had its own political influence through the Congress.
Before the 2019 elections, the Bobbili royal family also joined the TDP. Then YSRCP MLA Sujay Krishna Ranga Rao and his brother Baby Nayana moved into the TDP. Sujay Krishna Ranga Rao also served as a minister in the TDP government.
It was widely believed that the Bobbili royal family expected to get a bigger political role in the district as Ashok Gajapathi Raju gradually stepped back from active politics.
However, the political situation in the district is now changing.
Leaders from the Turpu Kapu community are increasingly becoming influential in district politics. The latest development is the entry of Chinna Srinu, who belongs to the same community, into the TDP from the YSRCP.
This has reportedly created some concern among the traditional royal political families, which have dominated district politics for decades.
Baby Nayana, who won as MLA from Bobbili, was expecting a ministerial berth. However, the opportunity went to Gajapathinagaram MLA Kondapalli Srinivas instead.
The Bobbili royal family is still hoping that Baby Nayana may get a chance if there is a cabinet expansion in the future.
Now, with Chinna Srinu entering the TDP, there is discussion that the Turpu Kapu community could become even more important within the party in Vizianagaram district.
Political circles are now watching closely to see how these developments will affect the balance of power within the TDP in the coming days.
