The Election Commission had issued notification for the MLC election from the local bodies in Vizianagaram. The election would be held on November 28.
The seat fell vacant as incumbent Indukuri Raghuraju joined the TDP just before the 2024 general elections to the state Assembly. Raghuraju’s wife Sudha joined the TDP. Raghuraju also went along with her and was found meeting with the TDP leaders.
Legislative Council whip Palavalasa Vikranth lodged a complaint of defection against Raghuraju. Legislative Council chairman Koyye Moshen Raju issued notice to Raghuraju for which he replied. Moshen Raju asked Raghuraju to personally appear before him for the enquiry. However, Raghuraju failed to appear personally before the council chairman.
Following this, Moshen Raju disqualified Raghuraju under anti-defection law in June this year. This had led to by-election to the post.
The candidates could file their nomination till November 11. The election commission would scrutiny the nominations on November 12. Election would be held on November 28 from 8 am to 4 pm and counting would be held on the next day.
The opposition YSR Congress has majority in the local bodies and it is likely to retain the seat. The TDP may also contest the seat as some local body members have joined the TDP and the Jana Sena.
However, it is to be seen if the TDP would contest this election or not. The TDP did not contest the local body election for Visakhapatnam held two months ago. YSR Congress leader Botsa Satyanarayana won the election from Visakhapatnam local bodies constituency.
