Damacharla Janardhana Rao, MLA for Ongolewww.knowyourmla.com

Ongole

General

Prakasam· Assembly Constituency No. 108

MLA: Damacharla Janardhana Rao

Last updated:

Current Party

TDP

Reservation

General

District

Prakasam

Electors

2,36,435

Latest Election

2024

Lok Sabha Seat

Constituency Overview

Ongole Lok Sabha Constituency is one of the 25 parliamentary constituencies in Andhra Pradesh and is located in the south-central coastal region of the state. Centred around Ongole city, the headquarters of Prakasam district, the constituency is one of the most important political, commercial and agricultural regions in Andhra Pradesh. Ongole is internationally renowned for the famous Ongole cattle breed, which has earned global recognition for its strength and adaptability.

The constituency encompasses a diverse landscape of coastal areas, agricultural plains, dryland farming regions and rapidly urbanising towns. Agriculture remains the backbone of the local economy, supported by irrigation projects, groundwater resources and seasonal rainfall. Tobacco, cotton, paddy, pulses and horticultural crops are widely cultivated. The region is also known for granite exports, aquaculture, dairy farming and livestock rearing. Trade, education, healthcare and government services contribute significantly to economic activity.

Lok Sabha Constituency Number

Parliamentary Constituency No: 16

Reservation Status

General

Assembly Segments

The Ongole Lok Sabha Constituency comprises the following seven Assembly constituencies:

- Yerragondapalem (SC) – Prakasam District - Darsi – Prakasam District - Ongole – Prakasam District - Kondapi (SC) – Prakasam District - Markapuram – Markapur District - Giddalur – Markapur District - Kanigiri – Prakasam District

Location

Approximate location of Ongole Assembly Constituency, Prakasam district.

Ongole Assembly Constituency, Andhra PradeshOpen in Google Maps

2024 Election Result

WinnerTDP

Damacharla Janardhana Rao

Votes: 1,18,800

Runner-upYSRCP

Balineni Srinivasa Reddy

Votes: 84,774

Victory margin: 34,026 votes

2024 Voter Turnout

Turnout

88.52%

Votes Polled

2,09,303

Total Electors

2,36,435

2019 Election Result

WinnerYSRCP

Balineni Srinivasa Reddy

Votes: 1,01,022

Runner-upTDP

Damacharla Janardhana Rao

Votes: 78,777

Victory margin: 22,245 votes

2014 Election Result

WinnerTDP

Damacharla

Votes: 93,025

Runner-upYSRCP

Balineni

Votes: 80,597

Victory margin: 12,428 votes

20192024 Comparison

Seat flipped
YSRCPTDP

Won by YSRCP in 2019, flipped to TDP in 2024. Winning margin widened from 22,245 (2019) to 34,026 (2024) — up 11,781 votes.

Political History

Ongole has traditionally been one of the politically significant parliamentary constituencies in Andhra Pradesh. The constituency has witnessed electoral contests among the Congress, Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and YSR Congress Party (YSRCP). Agriculture, irrigation, drinking water supply, rural development and infrastructure projects have consistently shaped electoral politics.

The constituency often reflects broader political trends in the Rayalaseema–coastal Andhra transition zone. Issues relating to drought management, irrigation projects, farmer welfare, employment generation and regional development frequently dominate election campaigns. Rural voters, farmers, traders and urban middle-class communities form key electoral groups.

Demographics

Population

24,60,000

Literacy Rate

72.5%

SC Population

22.1%

ST Population

3.9%

Male

50.3%

Female

49.7%

Economy & Key Occupations

Urban / Rural

Predominantly Rural–Semi Urban

Major Sectors

AgricultureLivestock and Dairy FarmingGranite IndustryTrade and CommerceEducationGovernment ServicesAquaculture

Key Industries

Granite Processing and ExportsTobacco ProcessingFood ProcessingDairy ProcessingAgricultural TradingAquacultureAgro-based Industries

Major Crops

TobaccoCottonPaddyBengal GramBlack GramGroundnutChillies

Key Development Issues

Water security and agricultural sustainability remain the most important priorities in Ongole. Farmers seek expanded irrigation facilities, groundwater conservation, crop diversification support and better market access. Drought-prone areas require improved water management infrastructure and climate-resilient farming practices.

Residents seek better healthcare facilities, educational institutions, roads and transportation connectivity. Industrial development, granite-based industries, skill development programmes and employment generation remain important concerns. Expansion of drinking water infrastructure and rural development projects continue to be major priorities.

Constituency Insights

Ongole is a predominantly agrarian constituency with a growing urban and industrial economy. The electorate includes farmers, livestock rearers, traders, granite industry workers, government employees, teachers, students and small business owners. Agriculture remains the dominant source of livelihood, while granite exports, dairy farming and trade contribute significantly to regional growth.

The constituency's political priorities are strongly influenced by water availability, agricultural productivity and rural development. Voters generally prioritise irrigation, infrastructure development, employment opportunities, welfare delivery and educational access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where is Ongole Lok Sabha Constituency located?

A: Ongole Lok Sabha Constituency is located in south-central Andhra Pradesh and covers major parts of Prakasam district and adjoining areas.

Q: Is Ongole a reserved constituency?

A: No. Ongole is a General category parliamentary constituency.

Q: Who is the current Member of Parliament from Ongole?

A: :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1} of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) is the current Member of Parliament, elected in the 2024 Lok Sabha election.

Q: Why is Ongole Lok Sabha Constituency important?

A: Ongole is an important agricultural and commercial centre known for the world-famous Ongole cattle breed, tobacco cultivation and granite industry.

Q: What are the major economic activities in Ongole?

A: Agriculture, livestock rearing, granite exports, trade, education, dairy farming and aquaculture are the major economic activities.

Q: Which Assembly constituencies are part of Ongole Lok Sabha Constituency?

A: Yerragondapalem, Darsi, Ongole, Kondapi, Markapuram, Giddalur and Kanigiri.

Q: What are the major crops grown in Ongole?

A: Tobacco, cotton, paddy, Bengal gram, black gram, groundnut and chillies are among the major crops cultivated across the constituency.

Q: What are the key development issues in Ongole?

A: Irrigation expansion, drought management, drinking water supply, agricultural development, healthcare facilities, education and employment generation are among the major concerns.

Q: Why is the Ongole cattle breed famous?

A: The Ongole breed is internationally recognised for its strength, disease resistance and adaptability, and has influenced cattle breeding programmes around the world.

Q: What factors influence elections in Ongole?

A: Agricultural support, water management, infrastructure improvements, welfare schemes, employment opportunities and local leadership are among the most important factors influencing elections in the constituency.

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