12 June 2012 Elections: Is it a test for Political Parties?

Telengana, that was the battleground of all the elections fought after 2004, is not the core issue for the elections slated on June 12, 2012. This election campaign is already deep into a murky territory - strangely centered around corruption agenda. The three parties Congress, YSR Congress and Telugu Desam Party are fighting hard to finish the opponents - many are calling Semi-finals. Every party is using all the means and options at their disposal to crush the others and prove their chastity, honesty and commitment to the citizens and state development.

For the past couple of years, Anna Hazare team at the national level is fighting hard to fight against the corrupt system. Congress in particular has been in deep trouble on account of Anna's onslaught. Series of national scandals, small and big shook the confidence of the nation. Even the hardcore Congress supporters are on defense when valid questions have been raised. The questions like, non performing Prime Minister, power at 10 Janpath, lack of charisma of Prince Rahul Gandhi and debacle in Utter Pradesh Elections, the tussle with Gen VK Sharma on the Army preparedness may never get convincing answers. The state of BJP is even worse. With Vajpayee fading out of limelight, BJP is struggling hard to find an acceptable face. Even otherwise, the state of affairs in Karnataka and corruptions scandals have put the Opposition on a defensive sticky wicket.

The Congress in Andhra Pradesh is at it worst since 1980-82 period. Rocked by corruption scandals, ineffective administration, blatant misuse of power and infighting - it does on have any credibility. The liquor scandals and taming the upright officers is just one example to show how Government deals with real issues and corruption.With this track record, Congress without any doubt using the power to cut Jagan Mohan Reddy's tail and brand him Mr. Corrupt. The swift action from CBI and it's decisive move to cut-off the financial roots is just a political act with official veil.

If the corruption is the plank for the election battle, Telugu Desam Party standing is no better. Despite working hard to prove the honesty, very few believe Chandra Babu Naidu honesty. Leaving aside his rule, even while in the opposition - Naidu is largely surrounded by businessmen whose meteoric raise is as questionable as Naidu's own. There are many people who still believe Naidu amassed huge wealth while in power but cleverly channeled the sums. Naidu is the architect of the economic liberalization of the state, and during his 9 year rule lot more people have benefited by skyrocketing real estate prices in and around Hyderabad state. Despite coming from very humble origins, Naidu is not a middle class person by any measure.

This comes to YS Jaganmohan Reddy who is largely on the receiving end. Both for TDP and Congress, Jagan is the prime target. Both are equally aware of the dangers, if Jagan were to emerge victorious. If Congress is using Official machinery to hunt down Jagan, Eenadu and Andhra Jyothy the staunch TDP supporters are working round the clock to paint him a villain.

The strange thing is, while working hard to expose Jagan's ill-gotten wealth, both Congress and TDP are picturing themselves honest and holy cows. Instead of corruption, those voters ready to decide the Semi Final results may have judge on wider repercussions and key considerations:

1. YSR Congress Party was never is in power. Unlike Congress and TDP which were blown on and off by number of corruptions scandals, the key question is - is Jagan guilty and corrupt? The verdict is not out. Remember - YS Rajasekhar Reddy branded Naidu a corrupt politician to the core and now Congress is working hard to prove YSR and regime was corrupt. Hence, corruption does not have a locus standi in the battleground.

2. Congress is in terminal state. Now the question is who is next to rule the state? Choice is between Naidu and YS Jagan Mohan Reddy only. Kiran Kumar Reddy is at the mercy of the Sonia Gandhi. He does not have his own ground and standing.

3. Who is capable of keeping the state peaceful and move into the development direction. Congress has failed. Jagan is untested. Naidu is untrusted.

4. Who got the guts to fight the weak central government on the lines of Jayalalithaa or Mamata Banerjee? Naidu is good at protecting his interests. Jagan proved a firebrand till now but he is not tested

5. Who got credibility? Naidu again stands at the lowest point. Jagan appears a shade above. None of the Congress leaders do not stand anywhere on the scale. What is Chiranjeevi standing now?

What is means? It is the real test for voter. Deciding to vote on a propaganda onslaught may prove disastrous for the state. Welcome Mr Narasimhan!