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Advantage Naidu: The Tribune
New Delhi, Nov 15: Snap poll symbolises Chief Minister`s confidence. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu`s decision to go in for a snap poll, almost a year before he completes his second term, was not entirely unexpected.
New Delhi, Nov 15: Snap poll symbolises Chief Minister’s confidence.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s decision to go in for a snap poll, almost a year before he completes his second term, was not entirely unexpected. In the past few weeks, there has been considerable speculation in the Telugu Desam Party circles on the need for a mid-term poll. Clearly, the ruling party could not have waited for a more opportune time. What more does the TDP want to convince the electorate — a ramshackle Opposition, a good monsoon, the steady pace of economic reforms and the high ratings of the Chief Minister himself as a good administrator? Of course, on top of all this is the apparent sympathy wave in favour of Mr Naidu following the recent attack on his life by the Naxalites.
Even though elections in the state are expected to be held only around February next, there is no likelihood of any significant change in the political situation in the run-up to the elections. The TDP is well ahead of all other parties in terms of its popularity and credibility. This is because of the charisma and leadership of the Chief Minister as also the policies and programmes of the government. In sharp contrast, the Congress, the main Opposition in the State Assembly, is at sixes and sevens. It has neither an effective strategy nor a strong leader to challenge the TDP. Added to this is the continued factionalism and dissidence in the party.
Though all pointers indicate a comfortable win for the TDP in the elections, one cannot lose sight of the Telangana factor. For instance, during the past three years, the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) has been championing the cause of separate statehood for the Telangana region which has been an area of neglect. In fact, this is the reason why even the Naxalite movement is going strong in the four districts of Warangal, Nizamabad, Adilabad and Karimnagar. Popular film star Vijayashanti’s plan to campaign for a Telangana state is also cause for worry for the TDP. It remains to be seen whether Mr Naidu’s tactical move will see him through. After all, there have been instances when overconfident Chief Ministers rued the day they decided to advance elections when they were thrashed by the electorate.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s decision to go in for a snap poll, almost a year before he completes his second term, was not entirely unexpected. In the past few weeks, there has been considerable speculation in the Telugu Desam Party circles on the need for a mid-term poll. Clearly, the ruling party could not have waited for a more opportune time. What more does the TDP want to convince the electorate — a ramshackle Opposition, a good monsoon, the steady pace of economic reforms and the high ratings of the Chief Minister himself as a good administrator? Of course, on top of all this is the apparent sympathy wave in favour of Mr Naidu following the recent attack on his life by the Naxalites.
Even though elections in the state are expected to be held only around February next, there is no likelihood of any significant change in the political situation in the run-up to the elections. The TDP is well ahead of all other parties in terms of its popularity and credibility. This is because of the charisma and leadership of the Chief Minister as also the policies and programmes of the government. In sharp contrast, the Congress, the main Opposition in the State Assembly, is at sixes and sevens. It has neither an effective strategy nor a strong leader to challenge the TDP. Added to this is the continued factionalism and dissidence in the party.
Though all pointers indicate a comfortable win for the TDP in the elections, one cannot lose sight of the Telangana factor. For instance, during the past three years, the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) has been championing the cause of separate statehood for the Telangana region which has been an area of neglect. In fact, this is the reason why even the Naxalite movement is going strong in the four districts of Warangal, Nizamabad, Adilabad and Karimnagar. Popular film star Vijayashanti’s plan to campaign for a Telangana state is also cause for worry for the TDP. It remains to be seen whether Mr Naidu’s tactical move will see him through. After all, there have been instances when overconfident Chief Ministers rued the day they decided to advance elections when they were thrashed by the electorate.