Avanigadda, an assembly constituency in Krishna district, has long been recognized as a stronghold of Kapu leaders who have held prominent positions in both the Congress and the TDP governments. With a rich history and a focus on horticulture and agriculture, Avanigadda has consistently played a crucial role in Andhra Pradesh politics.
The constituency of Avanigadda has witnessed the political prowess of influential leaders such as Mandali Venkata Krishna Rao and Simhadri Satyanarayana. Mandali Buddha Prasad, a senior politician and a three-time MLA, served as the Deputy Speaker of the Assembly from 2014 to 2019, further cementing Avanigadda’s significance in the political landscape.
Since its formation in 1962, Avanigadda has seen candidates from the Congress, TDP, and later the YSRCP emerge victorious in the elections. Mandali Venkata Krishna Rao, a prominent Congress leader, was elected from the constituency three times in 1972, 1978, and 1983. His son, Mandali Buddha Prasad, followed in his footsteps and secured victory on three occasions as well, first as a Congress candidate in 1999 and 2004, and then under the TDP banner in 2014. Mandali Venkata Krishna Rao also served as a minister in the Cabinets of Chief Ministers P V Narasimha Rao and Jalagam Venkgala Rao.
Another influential figure from Avanigadda is Simhadri Satyanarayana of the TDP. He triumphed in consecutive elections in 1985, 1989, and 1994, and held ministerial positions during the leadership of NT Rama Rao and N Chandrababu Naidu.
In the 2019 elections, the YSRCP candidate Simhadri Ramesh Babu emerged victorious in Avanigadda, securing 78,447 votes. The TDP candidate, Mandali Buddha Prasad, received 57,722 votes. The 2014 elections witnessed Mandali Buddha Prasad triumph with 80,995 votes, while Simhadri Ramesh Babu of the YSRCP garnered 75,037 votes.
Avanigadda’s political landscape experienced a shift after the entry of Mandali Venkata Krishna Rao in 1972. His remarkable three-term victory set the stage for Avanigadda’s subsequent importance in Andhra Pradesh politics. His son, Mandali Buddha Prasad, also contributed significantly, contesting five times from Avanigadda and winning on three occasions. However, both father and son faced defeats in 1985, 1989, 2009, and 2019. Throughout their political journey, Mandali family members contested a total of 10 times since Mandali Venkata Krishna Rao first entered the race in 1972.
The Avanigadda Assembly constituency encompasses the mandals of Avanigadda, Nagayalanka, Koduru, Challapalli, Mopidevi, and Ghantasala. Kapu community and BC voters play a decisive role in this region, with mainstream political parties fielding Kapu candidates recognizing their influence. Additionally, Avanigadda, located in the Divi Seema region, is prone to cyclones, which often impact the local population that relies on agriculture and fishing for their livelihoods.
Avanigadda stands as a bastion of Kapu leaders, known for their contributions to Andhra Pradesh politics throughout the years. With a rich legacy and a significant role in shaping the region’s destiny, this constituency continues to play a pivotal part in the state’s political landscape.
