BJP had strong political roots in Visakhapatnam in 1970 and 80’s. BJP won Vizag Mayor twice in 1981 and 87. BJP was lost its glory soon after TDP inception in the state. But BJP has its own cadre in the city. BJP nominee Hari Babu was won as MLA from Vizag – 1 Segment in 1999 general elections when there was an alliance with TDP. From then onwards, BJP can’t make any impact politically in Vizag.
In this general elections, BJP won one Assembly (Vizag North) and Parliament Segment. Hari Babu’s victory over Vijayamma had given confidence to BJP cadre in the city. But BJP lost Paderu Segment to YSRCP. Now BJP has very much keen to strengthen the party in the district. He regularly visited Vizag and conducted party meetings with cadre. Vishnukumar Raju was also involved in party activities. He was just missed cabinet berth in CBN cabinet. He joined in BJP few months before the elections and won the Assembly.
Vishnukumar Raju was made his mark during the election campaign. He challenged the opposition to solve the issues in his Segment within two months after the election. Raju gave lands to the people and threatened the encroachers to vacate the occupied lands. He was supervised liquor shops and wanted to close after 10 in night in the city. Keeping Visakhapatnam Corporation elections in mind, Vishnukuamr Raju demanded 50:50 ward share between BJP and TDP. He was already in selection of candidates for ward members. As per the cadre, he is trying to dominate Hari Babu in the party.
