Current MLA
Current Party
Reservation
District
Electors
Latest Election
Lok Sabha Seat
Constituency Overview
Polavaram Assembly Constituency is located in Eluru district of Andhra Pradesh and forms part of the Eluru Lok Sabha constituency. The constituency is reserved for Scheduled Tribes (ST) and is situated along the banks of the Godavari River in the hilly agency region bordering the Eastern Ghats. Polavaram is one of the most strategically important constituencies in Andhra Pradesh due to its association with the Polavaram Irrigation Project, one of India's largest multipurpose river projects. The constituency comprises extensive tribal areas, forest regions and riverine settlements. Agriculture, forestry, horticulture and government services form the backbone of the local economy. The constituency's unique geography and tribal population make it distinct from most other Assembly segments in the state.
Location
Approximate location of Polavaram Assembly Constituency, Eluru district.
2024 Election Result
Chirri Balaraju
Votes: 1,01,453
Tellam Rajyalakshmi
Votes: 93,518
Victory margin: 7,935 votes
2024 Voter Turnout
Turnout
Votes Polled
Total Electors
2019 Election Result
Tellam Balaraju
Votes: 1,10,523
Boragam Srinivasulu
Votes: 68,453
Victory margin: 42,070 votes
2014 Election Result
Modiyam Srinivasa Rao
Votes: 83,767
Tellam Balaraju
Votes: 68,047
Victory margin: 15,720 votes
2019 → 2024 Comparison
Won by YSRCP in 2019, flipped to JSP in 2024. Winning margin narrowed from 42,070 (2019) to 7,935 (2024) — down 34,135 votes.
Political History
Polavaram has traditionally witnessed electoral contests among the Congress, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and YSR Congress Party (YSRCP). As an ST-reserved constituency, issues relating to tribal welfare, rehabilitation, infrastructure and access to public services have played a significant role in electoral politics. The Polavaram Project has emerged as one of the defining political issues in the constituency over the past two decades. Elections often focus on development, displacement, irrigation benefits, tribal rights and welfare schemes. The constituency remains politically significant because of its strategic location and development potential.
Demographics
Population
Literacy Rate
SC Population
ST Population
Male
Female
Economy & Key Occupations
Urban / Rural
Major Sectors
Key Industries
Major Crops
Key Development Issues
Implementation of rehabilitation and resettlement programmes linked to the Polavaram Project remains one of the most important challenges in the constituency. Tribal communities seek improved healthcare, education, road connectivity and livelihood opportunities. Access to drinking water, electricity and government services continues to require attention in remote villages. Sustainable development, forest conservation and employment generation remain important priorities. Residents also seek improved transportation infrastructure and better market access for agricultural and horticultural produce.
Constituency Insights
Polavaram is one of Andhra Pradesh's most geographically diverse constituencies, characterised by tribal settlements, forest landscapes and the Godavari River basin. The electorate includes tribal communities, farmers, agricultural labourers, government employees and small traders. Agriculture and horticulture provide livelihoods to a large section of the population, while government programmes play an important role in local development. Voters generally prioritise tribal welfare, infrastructure development, education, healthcare and livelihood opportunities. The constituency's association with the Polavaram Project gives it statewide importance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where is Polavaram Assembly Constituency located?
A: Polavaram Assembly Constituency is located in Eluru district of Andhra Pradesh and forms part of the Eluru Lok Sabha constituency.
Q: Is Polavaram a reserved constituency?
A: Yes. Polavaram is a Scheduled Tribe (ST) reserved Assembly constituency.
Q: Who is the current MLA of Polavaram?
A: Chirri Balaraju of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) is the current MLA of Polavaram, having won the 2024 Assembly election.
Q: Why is Polavaram Assembly Constituency important?
A: Polavaram is home to the nationally significant Polavaram Irrigation Project and contains a large tribal population living in the Godavari agency region.
Q: What are the major economic activities in Polavaram?
A: Agriculture, horticulture, forestry, livestock rearing and government services are the major economic activities in the constituency.
Q: What are the major crops grown in Polavaram?
A: Paddy, maize, millets, cashew, mango, turmeric and vegetables are among the major crops cultivated in the constituency.
Q: Is Polavaram an urban or rural constituency?
A: Polavaram is a predominantly rural constituency comprising tribal villages, forest regions and riverine settlements.
Q: Which Lok Sabha constituency does Polavaram belong to?
A: Polavaram Assembly Constituency is part of the Eluru Lok Sabha constituency.
Q: What are the key development issues in Polavaram?
A: Tribal welfare, rehabilitation and resettlement, road connectivity, healthcare facilities, education and livelihood opportunities are among the major concerns.
Q: Why is the Polavaram Project important to the constituency?
A: The project has a major impact on the region through irrigation, water resources development, rehabilitation programmes and economic transformation.
Q: What factors influence elections in Polavaram?
A: Tribal welfare, development projects, rehabilitation policies, infrastructure improvements, welfare schemes and local leadership are among the most important factors influencing elections in the constituency.