In the aftermath of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, which brought shockwaves among people, especially in Uttar Pradesh, another significant development slipped under the radar: Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief Chandrababu Naidu’s landslide victory in the Andhra Pradesh assembly election, where he decisively defeated Jagan Mohan Reddy’s YSRCP.
Let’s explore possible reasons, which has left the Jagan Mohan Reddy’s party with just 40 percent vote share (10 assembly and 4 Lok Sabha seats respectively).
In September 2023, the arrest of Telugu Desam Party leader Chandrababu Naidu sent shockwaves through his admirers and supporters. Particularly among the educated class, who revered him as an icon of progressive Telugu political leadership, suspecting to be the part of vendetta politics.
Even though, it did not directly translate into sympathy wave, but the arrest of tall leader with loads of admirers generated the perception of vengeful & petty government, who can do anything to settle personal scores among people.
Later with the entry of Jana sena leader Pawan Kalyan, it simply changed the fortunes of Chandrababu Naidu and TDP for the good, as they continued to meet regularly, which gradually improved the chemistry between two leaders, thus giving right signals to party cadres.
In addition, with Pawan Kalyan’s entry and standing with Mr. Lokesh outside Rajahmundry Central Prison, it boosted the confidence of both cadres and people, that Naidu will be back.
Meanwhile, despite learning lessons from BRS & KCR’s defeat in Telangana, YS Jaganmohan Reddy did change 102 candidates, but it didn’t work.
Besides Naidu factor, the establishment of volunteer system to provide governance and administration at deprive section of people’s doorstep worked wonders.
However, the official machinery was neglected, which resulted in resentment. Thus, political parties were not able to build their popularity on patronage basis.
But the most crucial factor which turned the tide in TDP’s Favour was presence of alleged fear and excessive focus on welfarism by Jagan Mohan’s administration.
According to experts, the fear of being known as TDP supporter and getting targeted for it, resonated with people.
Also, the people of southern state, complained that the Jagan Mohan administration didn’t do anything except provide excessive welfare schemes.”
Representing voter’s sentiment, the elderly and women, who were the beneficiaries of the scheme said, ‘okay, you are getting money in your pocket, but what about our future, our jobs?’
This sentiment alone triggered change in party loyalty.
The alleged murder of Jagan Mohan Reddy’s uncle YS Vivekananda Reddy, created doubts in people’s mind, as Naidu, Kalyan and Lokesh repeatedly questioned YSRCP chief over the murder, by saying this line ‘who killed babai?’
Further, the campaign of YS Sharmila against her brother didn’t help the matters much. Which lead to gossips about Reddy’s family,
Despite trying to come across as people’s man in his political yatras, there was a talk, that Reddy is surrounded by coterie, which didn’t allow genuine feedback to be reached.
His personal space and wanting to spend personal time with his family, made him come across as authoritarian and inaccessible. Thus, breeding resentment among people.
Taking no chances, Naidu extensively discussed Reddy’s manifesto, which included welfare promises and asserted, that how financially unviable these schemes were, for the state with no resources.
Later, the land tilting act was acted as a final nail in the coffin, as people were scared, that they won’t be able to inherit their land and give to their children under this act.
YSRCP was not able to do damage control in time.
The attack on doctors, teachers’ unhappiness, action over anganwadi workers and resentment among government employees over delay or denial of benefits probably sealed the fate of former ruling party YSRCP in both assembly and Lok sabha elections.
