Current MLA
Current Party
Reservation
District
Electors
Latest Election
Lok Sabha Seat
Constituency Overview
Palasa Assembly Constituency is located in Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh and forms part of the Srikakulam Lok Sabha constituency. Situated in the northern coastal belt of Andhra Pradesh near the Odisha border, Palasa is widely known as the "Cashew Capital of India" due to its extensive cashew cultivation and processing industry. Palasa town serves as a major commercial, industrial and transportation centre for the region. The constituency benefits from fertile agricultural lands, coastal resources and excellent rail and road connectivity along the Chennai–Howrah corridor. Agriculture, cashew processing, trade, fisheries and small-scale industries form the backbone of the local economy. The cashew industry provides employment to thousands of workers and plays a central role in the constituency's economic identity.
Location
Approximate location of Palasa Assembly Constituency, Srikakulam district.
2024 Election Result
Gouthu Sireesha
Votes: 1,01,560
Appalaraju Seediri
Votes: 61,210
Victory margin: 40,350 votes
2024 Voter Turnout
Turnout
Votes Polled
Total Electors
2019 Election Result
Seediri Appalaraju
Votes: 76,603
Gouthu Sireesha
Votes: 60,351
Victory margin: 16,247 votes
2014 Election Result
Gouthu Syam Sunder
Votes: 69,658
Babu Rao Vajja
Votes: 52,133
Victory margin: 17,525 votes
2019 → 2024 Comparison
Won by YSRCP in 2019, flipped to TDP in 2024. Winning margin widened from 16,247 (2019) to 40,350 (2024) — up 24,103 votes.
Political History
Palasa has traditionally been a politically significant constituency in Uttarandhra and has witnessed electoral contests among the Congress, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and YSR Congress Party (YSRCP). Agriculture, industrial development, employment generation, fisheries and welfare programmes have consistently shaped electoral politics. The constituency has often reflected broader political trends in north coastal Andhra Pradesh while maintaining a strong focus on issues affecting the cashew industry and local livelihoods. Over the years, Palasa has remained an important electoral battleground in Srikakulam district.
Demographics
Population
Literacy Rate
SC Population
ST Population
Male
Female
Economy & Key Occupations
Urban / Rural
Major Sectors
Key Industries
Major Crops
Key Development Issues
Strengthening the cashew industry remains one of the most important priorities in Palasa. Farmers and processors seek better market access, export opportunities and modern processing infrastructure. Residents demand improvements in roads, healthcare facilities, educational institutions and urban amenities. Fisheries infrastructure, coastal protection and industrial development are also important concerns. Employment generation and support for small and medium enterprises continue to be key development priorities.
Constituency Insights
Palasa combines agricultural strength with industrial and commercial activity. The electorate includes cashew farmers, factory workers, fishermen, traders, government employees and small business owners. The cashew processing industry is the largest source of employment in the constituency, while agriculture and fisheries also contribute significantly to local incomes. Voters generally prioritise industrial development, employment opportunities, infrastructure improvements and welfare delivery. The constituency's economic fortunes are closely linked to the growth and competitiveness of the cashew sector.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where is Palasa Assembly Constituency located?
A: Palasa Assembly Constituency is located in Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh and forms part of the Srikakulam Lok Sabha constituency.
Q: Who is the current MLA of Palasa?
A: Gouthu Sireesha of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) is the current MLA of Palasa, having won the 2024 Assembly election.
Q: Why is Palasa Assembly Constituency important?
A: Palasa is widely known as the Cashew Capital of India and is one of the most important industrial and commercial centres in north Andhra Pradesh.
Q: What are the major economic activities in Palasa?
A: Cashew processing, agriculture, fisheries, trade and small-scale industries are the major economic activities in the constituency.
Q: What are the major crops grown in Palasa?
A: Cashew, paddy, coconut, groundnut, black gram, green gram and vegetables are among the major crops cultivated in the constituency.
Q: Why is Palasa called the Cashew Capital of India?
A: Palasa has one of the largest concentrations of cashew processing units in the country and is a major centre for cashew production and exports.
Q: Is Palasa an urban or rural constituency?
A: Palasa is an urban–semi-urban constituency comprising a major industrial town and surrounding agricultural villages.
Q: Which Lok Sabha constituency does Palasa belong to?
A: Palasa Assembly Constituency is part of the Srikakulam Lok Sabha constituency.
Q: What are the key development issues in Palasa?
A: Cashew industry development, employment generation, fisheries infrastructure, healthcare facilities, education and urban infrastructure are among the major concerns.
Q: What factors influence elections in Palasa?
A: Industrial growth, employment opportunities, agricultural development, welfare schemes, infrastructure improvements and local leadership are among the most important factors influencing elections in the constituency.