For decades, Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju dominated the political landscape of Vizianagaram district.
He entered the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly in 1978 at just 27 years old, winning from Vizianagaram.
Later, he won from the TDP in 1983 and went on to serve as an MLA seven times, as well as a Member of Parliament and Union Minister.
Known for his strong hold over district politics, his word carried significant weight even within the party’s top leadership.
TDP leadership traditionally entrusted Vizianagaram to Ashok, and in the 2024 elections, he played a pivotal role in ensuring a clean sweep for the party across the district.
Since the party’s inception, Ashok’s influence was instrumental in securing victories in nearly all Assembly elections, barring one or two occasions.
Now, with Ashok likely to assume the constitutional position of Governor of Goa, his political innings appears to be coming to an end.
This marks the beginning of a new phase for Vizianagaram politics — without Ashok at the forefront.
The TDP leadership is currently deliberating on who can fill this void.
One possibility is to entrust Kimidi Kala Venkata Rao with more responsibility by giving him a ministerial post. Another is to activate Baby Nayana, the MLA from Bobbili, who also belongs to a royal lineage.
Regardless of who takes over, many believe that Ashok’s absence will leave a significant gap, especially in a district like Vizianagaram where YSRCP also has considerable strength.
