Pathapatnam is an assembly constituency in Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the seven assembly segments of Srikakulam (Lok Sabha constituency), along with Ichchapuram, Palasa, Tekkali, Srikakulam, Amadalavalasa and Narasannapeta. As of 2019, there are more than 200,000 electors in the constituency.
Pathapatnam has a history of close contests and changing loyalties among the voters. In 1999, Pathapatnam was won by the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) candidate Kalamata Venkata Ramana Murthy with a narrow margin over the Congress candidate Reddy Shanthi. In 2004, Reddy Shanthi defeated Kalamata Venkata Ramana Murthy by a slightly higher margin and became the first woman MLA from Pathapatnam. In 2009, Reddy Shanthi switched to the Praja Rajyam Party (PRP) and lost to the TDP candidate Kalamata Venkata Ramana Murthy by a bigger margin. In 2014, Pathapatnam witnessed another close fight between Reddy Shanthi, who joined the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), and Kalamata Venkata Ramana Murthy, who remained with the TDP. Reddy Shanthi won by a small margin and became the MLA for the second time. In 2019, Reddy Shanthi retained her seat by defeating the TDP candidate Kalamata Venkata Ramana Murthy by a large margin and became the MLA for the third time.
The upcoming assembly elections in 2024 are expected to be another tough battle for Pathapatnam. The YSRCP is likely to field Reddy Shanthi again as its candidate, hoping to capitalize on her popularity and the welfare schemes of the Jagan Mohan Reddy government. The TDP may also stick to its veteran leader Kalamata Venkata Ramana Murthy, who has a strong base among the backward classes and farmers. However, both parties may face challenges from new entrants and influencers in the political arena. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has been trying to expand its presence in Andhra Pradesh, may field a prominent leader from Pathapatnam or ally with a regional party like the Jana Sena Party (JSP) or the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS). The Congress, which has been reduced to a marginal force in Andhra Pradesh, may also try to revive its fortunes by projecting a fresh face or joining hands with another party. The other factors that may influence the outcome of Pathapatnam assembly elections are the caste equations, local issues, development works and anti-incumbency sentiments.
Pathapatnam is a key constituency in Srikakulam district that reflects the changing dynamics of Andhra Pradesh politics. The voters of Pathapatnam have shown their preference for different parties and candidates over the years. The next assembly elections will test their loyalty and aspirations once again.