Going by the recent reports, majority people are lead to believe that Congress High Command is now close to take a decision on Telengana. Since Congress came to the power in 2004 the Political, Cultural, Economic and Social equations in the state are in constant flux. Soon after the sudden demise of YS Rajasekhar Reddy - during the tenure of Rosaiah the state went through it's worst patch. However the current Chief Minister could moderate the situation to a great extent. As it stands, the Telengana movement is off the cliff. The Telengana Rastra Samithi (TRS) and it's maverick leader K Chandra Sekhara Rao (KCR) have more or less come to a conclusion that the current UPA government would not grant the Telengana statehood.
At this juncture, while the agitation is subdued and normalcy is returning in the state, recent decision of Union Home Minister Shinde is a surprise. This process, I would imagine it is more of a strategic move of Congress. It's survivability in power post 2014 elections, now firmly hangs on the numbers returned to Parliament from Andhra Pradesh.
Coming to the facts, it is an open secret that the Congress party and it's Government general health is very bad. The Congress MP numbers elected from Andhra Pradesh were key for the two term UPA Government. Also, Congress never formed Government at Delhi without winning Andhra Pradesh. If Congress were to form the next Government in 2014 and crown Rahul Gandhi the next Prime Minister - it is the time Congress must take some important strategic decisions.
From ground zero (the possibility of winning no seats), the decision should be purely for short term gains. Already some Congress spin doctors in Andhra region are singing to the tunes of High Command supporting Telengana State. The key challenge though is to take a prudent decision out of infinite options - including no decision.
To put it in plain and simple terms, formation of Telengana is more than a political decision. Passions would run very high on the other side in Seema-Andhra (as we have seen in Telengana region until now) and people would come on to the roads spontaneously. While Telugu Desam got into the political trap, Jagan and his YSR Congress is non-committal on the bifurcation. When emotions raked up, logical explanation would not work. TDP and Congress would washout in elections. In a nutshell, YSR Congress clean sweep in both State and Parliament elections (in Seema - Andhra). It would become reckoning force in national political scene.
On the other side, in Telengana - as it happened with Prajarajyam Party, TRS would merge with Congress. This combined political entity (Congress + TRS) would gain good numbers in elections, but it is not going to be a clean sweep. Hyderabad Metro area, Khammam, Nalgonda, Mahabub Nagar districts would become key battle grounds. It is hard to tell, but in all likelihood - YSR Congress may emerge winner in these close contests.
Since TRS would lose it's public identity, like PRP it would become irrelevant. TDP would continue to have another 5 years of opposition benches behind Congress in Andhra and behind YSR Congress in Telengana.
Now going back to Delhi backroom operator strategy, the numbers as a
result of decision on Telengana (pure bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh) would not help Congress and NDA. While this outcome is a disaster for TDP, Congress would as well pay a heavy
price. Then why would Congress high command go for a decision that
would immensely benefit their political opponent?
Hence, Congress would need a different strategy that would accommodate "interests" of the three regions in some ratio and at the same time maximize the benefit for the party. If full Telengana statehood is granted, then the credit would go to TRS and in particular KCR. Again while Congress is in power all the credit must go to Gandhi's. In the long run, though it could seek "strategic" understanding with the YS Jagan Mohan Reddy - it is difficult to imagine if Jagan would be a Chiranjeevi to surrender completely. Now that he has been languishing in the jail for too long, Jagan would definitely seek a political revenge. Immediate crowing of Rahul Gandhi is very difficult. Again the key question - why to take a decision comes back to the frame.
Here is crux of the issue - Hyderabad metro area.
Congress would have to come with a Bollywood movie style climax. Finish all the opponents and make the audience very happy. Make Madam Gandhi and Price Rahul heroes.
The theme is - Grant Telengana state without Hyderabad Metro. On the face of it, Telengana side politicians would at first resist the decision. As it is happening with Mayawati or Mulayam, Congress high command could use the "Assets" or "CBI" to force KCR and the vocal Congress leaders to silence. Any residual resistance would taper off once the passions subside. On face of it Telangana is granted. For KCR, ambition of becoming Chief Minister would be full filled, perhaps for one term. Subsequently, the new Telengana State would be fertile ground for BJP.
On the other side in Rayalaseema and Andhra regions, as long is Hyderabad is out of newly proposed Telengana state, then all classes of people would be more or less satisfied. Political and business class would see potential opportunity to "develop" a new state (Seemandhra or Andhra Pradesh as it would be called). It is not difficult to sell both logic and emotions to the mass voters. Any resistance from united Andhra forces would similarly taper off soon afterwards.
Since MIM is out Congress favour (perhaps their strategic blunder), they have limited options to resist. As long as Hyderabad is kept out, on the face of it - it is good decision for Muslims. With long term prospects for BJP on raise with in the new Telengana State, MIM also gain equally. If Hyderabad is made a new State (or Union Territory) - MIM is likely to form a Government sooner than later.
For Congress, this decision would ensure footing on either side of the fence. YSR Congress cannot sweep the state. Telegu Desam Party and Chandrababu Naidu would be blamed by all quarters. Congress back room operators can always play a secular card and form alliance with MIM.
New States would return to a sort of normalcy and 2014 elections run would kick off.
Rahul Gandhi would be praised for his extraordinary political acumen for resolving a complex issue simmering for nearly five decades or more!
Win for Congress and MIM. Partial win for TRS and YSR Congress. Total loss for TDP.
Showing posts with label Chiranjeevi. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chiranjeevi. Show all posts
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Jaganmohan Reddy - Rock Solid Personality
There is nothing like a neutral opinion of YS Jagan Mohan Reddy. Either you love him or hate him. He commands extreme loyalty from his supporters. For them he is modern Robin Hood. Born for the masses and welfare of the needy. He sustains remarkable energy levels. No other politician in the state's history traveled as widely across the state as Jagan, without elections even on the horizon. He commands huge crowds at this rallies. Always smiles and keeps his cool on most of the occasions. Unlike most of the ultra-rich Andhra Pradesh politicians Jagan never claimed either he is poor or innocent. His was not a rags to riches story. His father, late YS Rajasekhar Reddy - and his grandfather Raja Reddy were rich by any standard during their own life times. For decades, this family hold on Kadapa political scene is near complete. Let it be in Congress or outside Congress, Kadapa remained their fortress.
For his critics, Jagan is an unethical and corrupt person to the core. He misused his father's power to the core and amassed billions of dollars. These figures are wide and varied. At one end, the estimated wealth crosses in excess of Rs 50,000 crores (that is Rs 500, 000 millions or US $1billion). His bete noire claim it could be even four times. This staggering amount of wealth has been accumulated in a short span of about 5 years. Even by richer country standards making $1billion per year is not a mean task. However, officially Jagan declared asserts worth Rs 365 crores. At the same time, his wife owns assets worth 10 times more than himself. Going by norm as it is the case with most of the political and business class, his overall assets must be worth many time more. Besides misusing his father's power and amassing huge wealth, other chief allegation of his critics is centered his violent politics which is a norm in faction ridden Rayalaseema region. His name has been quoted by his opponents and their associated media - specially around the high profile murder of Paritala Ravi (Incidentally, Ravi himself was a product of the violent Rayalaseema politics, with many murder cases tagged to his name).
For neutral observers, Jagan is a strewed and power hungry politician. Soon after his father came to power, he started a big media company. Despite all the dubious accounts on it's genesis, Sakshi became a platform for providing alternative version and views to public. Until that point, Congress in the state did not have a vernacular media to provide a platform or support. Incidentally, Sakshi on some occasions successfully proved the dubious dealings of media baron Ramoji Rao with Eenadu facade that dented the reputation. Under the current jinxed circumstances, it is Sakshi providing Jagan with a saving grace - against a coordinated and scripted onslaught.
Jagan is a staunch Christian. Like Nehru-Gandhi family - Reddy tag is for public consumption. Jagan's great grandfathers' were converted Christians and there is no ambiguity. He is neither hypocritical like Rahul Gandhi who recently proclaimed himself a Brahmin. Rahul's mother Sonia Gandhi is Catholic, his father Rajiv Gandhi was born to a Hindu mother (Indira Gandhi) and a Parsi (Feroz Gandhi) with some claim that Feroz is of Muslim origins than Parsi . Interestingly, while many attributed YSR's political power and blessing from Delhi to his Christian faith (his master Sonia's faith), for Jagan it never mattered when he called shots at Sonia Gandhi.
Both Jagan and his father, know how to get best of their hereditary tags. In a nutshell, Jagan is acceptable face of dalits and dalit Christians who are the significant vote bank. His Reddy tag is good for Reddy dominated state politics. His wealth is good for the upper class opportunists like Businessmen and entrepreneurs. Going by the list of his close associates and benefactors from his father's time - most of them are Kamma's and few Reddi's. His party is filled with Kapu's who have been left in isolation by Chiranjeevi who is no more than a disaster in politics.
The arrest of Mopidevi Venkatarama, who comes from a backward class - provides the debating opportunity while, the upper caste ministers who have been charged have been spared for now from sending behind the bars. Jagan is strewed enough to exploit the opportunities. Not the least, there is no better time and opportunity to revive the Telugu people pride. No one stands a better chance than Jagan Mohan Reddy. Even his critics silently admit his public popularity. Perhaps, Jagan's direct confrontation with Congress high command may stem from his political acumen that Gandhi's power at Delhi is fast shrinking and it is the time of powerful regional satraps to decide who would sit in Delhi gaddi.
If I were to have Rs 50,000 crores or 4 times that amount - what would have I done? Why should I slog on the streets - day and night. Pick a direct confrontation with the most powerful political Gandhi family? Launch concurrent battle fronts with multiple opponents? Claim for a Chief Minister gaddi while father body was lying in state? Start a political party and take on do or die battles? Remain in public eye for wrong reasons? Risk getting arrested? and expose oneself and become vulnerable?
The singular answer is Jaganmohan Reddy is not from the standard school of politicians. He comes with incessant energy levels and Leading from the front mindset. Since NT Ramarao, on other politician in the state stirred so much of interest, passion and public debate in the state politics. Like his father, who struggled all along his political career, Jagan political career as well is a bumpy ride thus far. What ever is likely to happen in the coming months, for now - only one who can silence Jagan looks like Jagan himself. His critics and supports may continue to differ widely on opinions and views but, Jagan till now proved to be a strong willed, resilient and rock solid personality.
For his critics, Jagan is an unethical and corrupt person to the core. He misused his father's power to the core and amassed billions of dollars. These figures are wide and varied. At one end, the estimated wealth crosses in excess of Rs 50,000 crores (that is Rs 500, 000 millions or US $1billion). His bete noire claim it could be even four times. This staggering amount of wealth has been accumulated in a short span of about 5 years. Even by richer country standards making $1billion per year is not a mean task. However, officially Jagan declared asserts worth Rs 365 crores. At the same time, his wife owns assets worth 10 times more than himself. Going by norm as it is the case with most of the political and business class, his overall assets must be worth many time more. Besides misusing his father's power and amassing huge wealth, other chief allegation of his critics is centered his violent politics which is a norm in faction ridden Rayalaseema region. His name has been quoted by his opponents and their associated media - specially around the high profile murder of Paritala Ravi (Incidentally, Ravi himself was a product of the violent Rayalaseema politics, with many murder cases tagged to his name).
For neutral observers, Jagan is a strewed and power hungry politician. Soon after his father came to power, he started a big media company. Despite all the dubious accounts on it's genesis, Sakshi became a platform for providing alternative version and views to public. Until that point, Congress in the state did not have a vernacular media to provide a platform or support. Incidentally, Sakshi on some occasions successfully proved the dubious dealings of media baron Ramoji Rao with Eenadu facade that dented the reputation. Under the current jinxed circumstances, it is Sakshi providing Jagan with a saving grace - against a coordinated and scripted onslaught.
Jagan is a staunch Christian. Like Nehru-Gandhi family - Reddy tag is for public consumption. Jagan's great grandfathers' were converted Christians and there is no ambiguity. He is neither hypocritical like Rahul Gandhi who recently proclaimed himself a Brahmin. Rahul's mother Sonia Gandhi is Catholic, his father Rajiv Gandhi was born to a Hindu mother (Indira Gandhi) and a Parsi (Feroz Gandhi) with some claim that Feroz is of Muslim origins than Parsi . Interestingly, while many attributed YSR's political power and blessing from Delhi to his Christian faith (his master Sonia's faith), for Jagan it never mattered when he called shots at Sonia Gandhi.
Both Jagan and his father, know how to get best of their hereditary tags. In a nutshell, Jagan is acceptable face of dalits and dalit Christians who are the significant vote bank. His Reddy tag is good for Reddy dominated state politics. His wealth is good for the upper class opportunists like Businessmen and entrepreneurs. Going by the list of his close associates and benefactors from his father's time - most of them are Kamma's and few Reddi's. His party is filled with Kapu's who have been left in isolation by Chiranjeevi who is no more than a disaster in politics.
The arrest of Mopidevi Venkatarama, who comes from a backward class - provides the debating opportunity while, the upper caste ministers who have been charged have been spared for now from sending behind the bars. Jagan is strewed enough to exploit the opportunities. Not the least, there is no better time and opportunity to revive the Telugu people pride. No one stands a better chance than Jagan Mohan Reddy. Even his critics silently admit his public popularity. Perhaps, Jagan's direct confrontation with Congress high command may stem from his political acumen that Gandhi's power at Delhi is fast shrinking and it is the time of powerful regional satraps to decide who would sit in Delhi gaddi.
If I were to have Rs 50,000 crores or 4 times that amount - what would have I done? Why should I slog on the streets - day and night. Pick a direct confrontation with the most powerful political Gandhi family? Launch concurrent battle fronts with multiple opponents? Claim for a Chief Minister gaddi while father body was lying in state? Start a political party and take on do or die battles? Remain in public eye for wrong reasons? Risk getting arrested? and expose oneself and become vulnerable?
The singular answer is Jaganmohan Reddy is not from the standard school of politicians. He comes with incessant energy levels and Leading from the front mindset. Since NT Ramarao, on other politician in the state stirred so much of interest, passion and public debate in the state politics. Like his father, who struggled all along his political career, Jagan political career as well is a bumpy ride thus far. What ever is likely to happen in the coming months, for now - only one who can silence Jagan looks like Jagan himself. His critics and supports may continue to differ widely on opinions and views but, Jagan till now proved to be a strong willed, resilient and rock solid personality.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Common fate of Great Telugu Political leadership
Telugu speaking have been divided for ages. Until 50-60 years back they were split in between Nizam of Hyderabad and British. Prior to that, they were split during the times of Moguls, Vijayanagara empire, Kaktiyas, Kalinga period, Chola times. If we go into the history the state of Andhra Pradesh as it exists now, it has been split amongst three or even four kingdoms at any given time.
The controversial issue of passing predominantly Telugu speaking Madras City into Tamil hands, or Bellary District into Mysore state or Berhampur to Orissa are few but striking examples, reflecting dis-unity amongst the Telugu speaking people.
Along the lines of this geographic separation, Telugu people, Telugu media and Telugu political leadership paid a significant role to pull down their own rising stars over the past. As a result, despite occasional resurgence, Telugu people by and large loved to live as gulaams (virtually slaves) under non-Telugus.
Let's start with Tanguturi Prakasam, one of the 1st Telugu Leaders in the erstwhile Madras state to get into the prominence. All his life, he waged constant war against Tamil leadership and Congress high command in Delhi. Despite he was popular mass leader in the Madras Presidency - in the end, it was our own Telugu political leadership conspiring with Tamils and Delhi sidelined Tangutiri Prakasam Pantalu. A wealthy barrister, Prakasam sacrificed all his life and wealth for the freedom struggle, yet died a poor man.While Prakasam's contemporaries in Tamil land like Rajaji, Periar and Annadurai were feted and revered even today, Prakasam was almost forgotten during his life time and less said about him is better now.
Neelam Sanjiva Reddy, the 1st Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh was one of the powerful leaders of his times. Honest and able administrator, decades later when he contested for the Presidency of India - Indira Gandhi fielded another fellow Telugu person - Varahahiri Venkata Giri. Despite being the official congress candidate - Sanjiva Reddy lost the election. Though there was no personal rivalry between Reddy and Giri - in the end, Reddy, one of the respected leaders of Andhra Pradesh lost because of slave mindset of Telugu's. It was a different story that, Sanjiva Reddy went on to become the President of India a decade later. In comparison, examine the kind of respect Kamaraj gets in Tamil Nadu though he was never a President of India.
PV Narasimha Rao, rated one of the best Prime Ministers India ever had, was never respected in his home state. Despite changing the fortunes of India for good, in the end - Rao was humiliated in his later years and in his death. Sonia's personal apathy and the events that unfolded following his death were blatantly clear to one and all. But the stock silence of all Telugu people, Telugu media and more importantly by the fellow congressmen for all the humiliation meted to one of Scholarly Prime Minsters of India is just another example of slave mindset of Telugus. There is no denial of the fact and role played by the then Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Rajasekhar Reddy to bury Rao's legacy. Despite the strong demand to name the Hyderabad airport after Rao or NT Ramarao, YS Rajasekhar Reddy true to his gulaami nature named the airport after Rajiv Gandhi.
NT Rama Rao, greatest leader of the Telugu speaking people - died in isolation and humiliation. Despite his extraordinary wins and shooting down Congress to bring an end to the Delhi rule, Ramarao was stabbed by his Sons, daughters, second wife, Telugu media, Telugu political leadership. Despite all the efforts to bury NTR legacy by none other than Chandrababu Naidu, NTR remains the most popular Telugu leader even in his death. It is shocking to see the leaders like KCR and TRS picking on NTR and Telugu Desam Party - though everyone knows KCR political birth and subsequent success was only because of a great leader like NTR.
For Naidu, despite all the hi tech success during his regime is struggling to survive on account of his credibility and back stabbing from the fellow leadership with in and outside TDP. Chiranjeevi was never a great political leader nor a rising star. Yet, political future of Megastar it is now in black and white. His community, media, Congress leadership and himself contribute to this common fate.
After doing all the gulaami job while in power, now YS Rajasekhar Reddy is now facing the similar situation in his death. Congress leaders both in state and Delhi are working round the clock to bury YSR legacy and also re-picture him as the most corrupt Chief Minister of AP. Media like Eenadu and Andhra Jyothy are have already pronounced guilty verdict even before case went to court. This is almost akin to what happened to PV in case of Babri Masjid issue. Congress knows well how to disown their own leaders if the circumstances demand and Delhi high command is willing. All gulaami leaders would be ready with ammunition to fire the shots from all the vantage points. Probably YS Jagan was right in one way to leave Congress and start his own party. It is too early to predict what is going to be Jagan's fate. Despite all the allegations, Jagan is the most popular leader in the state. If the history of Telugus is a yardstick for evaluating an outcome, Jagan's fate would be no different - sooner or later.
In the end, it is called the common fate of the gulaami Telugu leaders
The controversial issue of passing predominantly Telugu speaking Madras City into Tamil hands, or Bellary District into Mysore state or Berhampur to Orissa are few but striking examples, reflecting dis-unity amongst the Telugu speaking people.
Along the lines of this geographic separation, Telugu people, Telugu media and Telugu political leadership paid a significant role to pull down their own rising stars over the past. As a result, despite occasional resurgence, Telugu people by and large loved to live as gulaams (virtually slaves) under non-Telugus.
Let's start with Tanguturi Prakasam, one of the 1st Telugu Leaders in the erstwhile Madras state to get into the prominence. All his life, he waged constant war against Tamil leadership and Congress high command in Delhi. Despite he was popular mass leader in the Madras Presidency - in the end, it was our own Telugu political leadership conspiring with Tamils and Delhi sidelined Tangutiri Prakasam Pantalu. A wealthy barrister, Prakasam sacrificed all his life and wealth for the freedom struggle, yet died a poor man.While Prakasam's contemporaries in Tamil land like Rajaji, Periar and Annadurai were feted and revered even today, Prakasam was almost forgotten during his life time and less said about him is better now.
Neelam Sanjiva Reddy, the 1st Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh was one of the powerful leaders of his times. Honest and able administrator, decades later when he contested for the Presidency of India - Indira Gandhi fielded another fellow Telugu person - Varahahiri Venkata Giri. Despite being the official congress candidate - Sanjiva Reddy lost the election. Though there was no personal rivalry between Reddy and Giri - in the end, Reddy, one of the respected leaders of Andhra Pradesh lost because of slave mindset of Telugu's. It was a different story that, Sanjiva Reddy went on to become the President of India a decade later. In comparison, examine the kind of respect Kamaraj gets in Tamil Nadu though he was never a President of India.
PV Narasimha Rao, rated one of the best Prime Ministers India ever had, was never respected in his home state. Despite changing the fortunes of India for good, in the end - Rao was humiliated in his later years and in his death. Sonia's personal apathy and the events that unfolded following his death were blatantly clear to one and all. But the stock silence of all Telugu people, Telugu media and more importantly by the fellow congressmen for all the humiliation meted to one of Scholarly Prime Minsters of India is just another example of slave mindset of Telugus. There is no denial of the fact and role played by the then Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Rajasekhar Reddy to bury Rao's legacy. Despite the strong demand to name the Hyderabad airport after Rao or NT Ramarao, YS Rajasekhar Reddy true to his gulaami nature named the airport after Rajiv Gandhi.
NT Rama Rao, greatest leader of the Telugu speaking people - died in isolation and humiliation. Despite his extraordinary wins and shooting down Congress to bring an end to the Delhi rule, Ramarao was stabbed by his Sons, daughters, second wife, Telugu media, Telugu political leadership. Despite all the efforts to bury NTR legacy by none other than Chandrababu Naidu, NTR remains the most popular Telugu leader even in his death. It is shocking to see the leaders like KCR and TRS picking on NTR and Telugu Desam Party - though everyone knows KCR political birth and subsequent success was only because of a great leader like NTR.
For Naidu, despite all the hi tech success during his regime is struggling to survive on account of his credibility and back stabbing from the fellow leadership with in and outside TDP. Chiranjeevi was never a great political leader nor a rising star. Yet, political future of Megastar it is now in black and white. His community, media, Congress leadership and himself contribute to this common fate.
After doing all the gulaami job while in power, now YS Rajasekhar Reddy is now facing the similar situation in his death. Congress leaders both in state and Delhi are working round the clock to bury YSR legacy and also re-picture him as the most corrupt Chief Minister of AP. Media like Eenadu and Andhra Jyothy are have already pronounced guilty verdict even before case went to court. This is almost akin to what happened to PV in case of Babri Masjid issue. Congress knows well how to disown their own leaders if the circumstances demand and Delhi high command is willing. All gulaami leaders would be ready with ammunition to fire the shots from all the vantage points. Probably YS Jagan was right in one way to leave Congress and start his own party. It is too early to predict what is going to be Jagan's fate. Despite all the allegations, Jagan is the most popular leader in the state. If the history of Telugus is a yardstick for evaluating an outcome, Jagan's fate would be no different - sooner or later.
In the end, it is called the common fate of the gulaami Telugu leaders
Monday, December 19, 2011
Chiranjeevi - The Mega Disaster
Despite the persistent political chaos in Andhra Pradesh, 2011 elevated the fortunes of many leaders in the bargain politics. Without getting anything substantial even after bringing the State virtually to grinding halt for more than two months, K Chandrasekhar Rao remains the powerful political force. Lacking almost all the qualities needed to run an Indian State in the modern times, Chief Minister Kirankumar Reddy's political graph swung into a bull territory. Botsa, the new PCC chief emerged equally a powerful entity in the State political scene this year. Despite the onslaught from CBI (read Congress High Command) YS Jaganmohan Reddy remains evergreen, dynamic, heroic and the potential political bulldozer. Despite being in political oblivion for most of the year, fortunes of Chandrababu Naidu and his Telugu Desam Party (TDP) have surprisingly on uptrend. KK, Kaka and VH the self proclaimed Telangana heroes have been squared up by the Delhi political bosses.
This leaves, the Megastar Chiranjeevi who moved from reasonably commanding position with in the state political scene to a damp squib. I think, Chiranjeevi represents a text book case for any politician in the state - "how to fail?". Chiru started with a hype. Just taking a single page from NT Rama Rao meteoric raise in the politics. Just because, he was in a similar position in Tollywood as undisputed number#1 hero, like NTR - Chiru thought that he could repeat the same magic and become the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. Chiru is not NTR let it be on silver screen or in politics.
NTR had a clear vision. His vision stems from the then prevailing pathetic political scenario in AP. Unlike Chiranjeevi, NTR was a learned man. He was emotional yet had lot of clarity. He was eccentric yet, there was consistency. He was independent yet, a first class leader. He dared to challenge, worked against odds and delivered to the people on promises. He attracted the young and talented. Finally, NTR cultivated his political base - predominately around the backward classes who until then had no political representation in the state Though he had his own share of failures, on the balance - NTR status is legendary.
Chiranjeevi had no vision. His ambition was to become Chief Minister with out cultivation of a strong political base. Despite coming from a numerously strong Kapu Community, Chiru was defeated in his political heartland - Palacole. Chiru was emotional but had no vision. He could not convey a meaningful message. Unlike NTR, this time Chiru was facing perhaps two of the strongest political leaders in YSR and CBN. Chiru's understanding of social, political and cultural history of Andhra Pradesh was below the par of a X class student. By any measure he is not a learned man. Chiru, did not have stamina and conviction that he could make it to the top. He basically took a gamble around his screen image. He sold his brand name and in the process made a personal fortune for himself. In this internet era, Chiru's Public relation skills are at best counter productive.
Nurturing and cultivating a political base is key for a Leaders' success (Manmohan Singh is no exception though his political base is just around a single square plot of land - 10, Janpath). Even the so called modern mass leader, Y S Rajasekhar Reddy is no exception. He toiled hard for decades and cultivated his own political back yard regionally, on caste and religious lines, and at the national level.
Election records clearly indicate that, but for Chiranjeevi entry Congress would have lost 2009 elections. Then with his 18 member elected MLA count, Chiru saved Kiran Kumar Reddy Government in 2011. The Two big services to the AP state!. In the process, from a position of the Leader of a political party, he zeroed himself to nothing. Even Majlis with a mere strength of 5 members know better of bargaining politics than novice Chiranjeevi.
Now, Chiranjeevi ambitions have zeroed to a Cabinet post either at Delhi or in Hyderabad. Chiranjeevi despite all the public display of his comical statements and emotions does not understand the Congress and Delhi High Command. Congress in a nutshell is a Trading Party. This means, one should bring something on the table - to get something back in return. Ajit Singh brought 5 MP's and a huge percentage of votes that would add up to Congress in upcoming UP elections. Sharad Pawar, Karunanidhi or Mamata Benerjee all have something to trade - otherwise a constant threat to government and it's survival.
Chiranjeevi and his 18 numbers have no real value. Congress can easily buy them off at any time. Chiranjeevi does not have a political base (like Majlis), Political acumen (like PV), brand integrity (like Manmohan Singh), backroom maneuvering skills (Kavuri or Rayapati), mass following (like KCR), money (like Lagadapati or Jagan) and finally with in his own Kapu Community he is not even the strongest leader (like Botsa). This leaves Chiranjeevi with the tainted silver screen legacy. When the next elections come up, Chiru is not even a guaranteed crowd puller (perhaps, he will have to compete with the likes of NTR Jr, who is a better orator by yards).
In summary, if there is no intrinsic value to put on the table and trade - with in Congress party there won't be any value or recognition. Unless something extraordinary happens, 2011 marks the end of Chiranjeevi political career. He may dream of Cabinet berths but High Command would not bless with anything substantial. Chiranjeevi is in no better position than the "intelligent" lawyer he played in one of his blockbuster movie Abhilasha. Ironically, the screen name also was Chiranjeevi.
It is a Mega disaster!
This leaves, the Megastar Chiranjeevi who moved from reasonably commanding position with in the state political scene to a damp squib. I think, Chiranjeevi represents a text book case for any politician in the state - "how to fail?". Chiru started with a hype. Just taking a single page from NT Rama Rao meteoric raise in the politics. Just because, he was in a similar position in Tollywood as undisputed number#1 hero, like NTR - Chiru thought that he could repeat the same magic and become the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. Chiru is not NTR let it be on silver screen or in politics.
NTR had a clear vision. His vision stems from the then prevailing pathetic political scenario in AP. Unlike Chiranjeevi, NTR was a learned man. He was emotional yet had lot of clarity. He was eccentric yet, there was consistency. He was independent yet, a first class leader. He dared to challenge, worked against odds and delivered to the people on promises. He attracted the young and talented. Finally, NTR cultivated his political base - predominately around the backward classes who until then had no political representation in the state Though he had his own share of failures, on the balance - NTR status is legendary.
Chiranjeevi had no vision. His ambition was to become Chief Minister with out cultivation of a strong political base. Despite coming from a numerously strong Kapu Community, Chiru was defeated in his political heartland - Palacole. Chiru was emotional but had no vision. He could not convey a meaningful message. Unlike NTR, this time Chiru was facing perhaps two of the strongest political leaders in YSR and CBN. Chiru's understanding of social, political and cultural history of Andhra Pradesh was below the par of a X class student. By any measure he is not a learned man. Chiru, did not have stamina and conviction that he could make it to the top. He basically took a gamble around his screen image. He sold his brand name and in the process made a personal fortune for himself. In this internet era, Chiru's Public relation skills are at best counter productive.
Nurturing and cultivating a political base is key for a Leaders' success (Manmohan Singh is no exception though his political base is just around a single square plot of land - 10, Janpath). Even the so called modern mass leader, Y S Rajasekhar Reddy is no exception. He toiled hard for decades and cultivated his own political back yard regionally, on caste and religious lines, and at the national level.
Election records clearly indicate that, but for Chiranjeevi entry Congress would have lost 2009 elections. Then with his 18 member elected MLA count, Chiru saved Kiran Kumar Reddy Government in 2011. The Two big services to the AP state!. In the process, from a position of the Leader of a political party, he zeroed himself to nothing. Even Majlis with a mere strength of 5 members know better of bargaining politics than novice Chiranjeevi.
Now, Chiranjeevi ambitions have zeroed to a Cabinet post either at Delhi or in Hyderabad. Chiranjeevi despite all the public display of his comical statements and emotions does not understand the Congress and Delhi High Command. Congress in a nutshell is a Trading Party. This means, one should bring something on the table - to get something back in return. Ajit Singh brought 5 MP's and a huge percentage of votes that would add up to Congress in upcoming UP elections. Sharad Pawar, Karunanidhi or Mamata Benerjee all have something to trade - otherwise a constant threat to government and it's survival.
Chiranjeevi and his 18 numbers have no real value. Congress can easily buy them off at any time. Chiranjeevi does not have a political base (like Majlis), Political acumen (like PV), brand integrity (like Manmohan Singh), backroom maneuvering skills (Kavuri or Rayapati), mass following (like KCR), money (like Lagadapati or Jagan) and finally with in his own Kapu Community he is not even the strongest leader (like Botsa). This leaves Chiranjeevi with the tainted silver screen legacy. When the next elections come up, Chiru is not even a guaranteed crowd puller (perhaps, he will have to compete with the likes of NTR Jr, who is a better orator by yards).
In summary, if there is no intrinsic value to put on the table and trade - with in Congress party there won't be any value or recognition. Unless something extraordinary happens, 2011 marks the end of Chiranjeevi political career. He may dream of Cabinet berths but High Command would not bless with anything substantial. Chiranjeevi is in no better position than the "intelligent" lawyer he played in one of his blockbuster movie Abhilasha. Ironically, the screen name also was Chiranjeevi.
It is a Mega disaster!
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Why Chiranjeevi & PRP should fight in Telangana?
By elections to 10 seats in Telangana are imminent. Every party is having a game plan. First the "maverick" K Chandrasekhara Rao who forced these elections on Telangana people at first expected no fight in the elections. KCR wanted all those MLA's who were forced out some six months ago to be back in assembly unopposed, got trapped in Congress game plan.
Nizamabad became core to the congress game plan. It was Dharmapuri Srinivas, the PCC President who lost this seat to TRS candidate. With sudden demise of YS Rajasekhara Reddy, D Srinivas lost a golden opportunity. Had he been an MLA, DS would have been Chief Minister. But the choice went for K Rosaiah. Despite all round support from Congress high command Rosaiah is looking vulnerable on all fronts. Congress is not having any alternative and it is not willing to give CM chair to YS Jagan who is still waging wars and battles. To counter Jagan, DS probably is seeing himself as best alternative since he comes from Telangana, a Backward caste leader, and 100% faithful to high command (essentially it means, he does not use his brain for any important decision). Rosaiah qualifies only on the last aspect and hence DS is dreaming of Chief Minister like his other friend neighbouring district, G Venkata Swamy had been dreaming of President of India.
Anyway, getting back to the subject - Telugu Desam & Nara Chandrababu Naidu game plan is different - it wants to nail down TRS and KCR as much as possible. Both Congress and TDP, as far as this election is concerned are at ground zero. Any one contesting in the election will gain if at all, expect TRS which will have to defend it's position. In this game plan, Naidu is trying to kill two birds with one shot. Even if TDP gains couple of seats then, he could control TDP leaders from Telangana and shut their mouths. Secondly it will make TRS defensive.
Now, the last important party is Prajarajyam - and decision from Chiranjeevi. Unlike Congress and TDP, Chiranjeevi took decisive step in going for United Andhra Pradesh. That means, he wanted to keep Andhra Pradesh as a single state without bifurcation. And that includes Telangana. Unlike TDP and Congress leaders he never demeaned Telangana or Telangana people. He is in a unique position. But for some reason, he lacks the game plan and strategy (not first time). While Chiranjeevi is coming to the core issue straight on, Congress and TDP taking contextual stand. For example, if TRS looses 8 seats in the elections -then both TDP and Congress would change the game plan. Immediately they will join Chiranjeevi boat and claim that Telangana sentiment is not as strong (it is import to understand this tone and language).
There is no doubt that Congress came back to power in 2009 only because of Chiranjeevi. He split the votes and that benefited Congress. How many votes PRP would get if it contests in the elections - 0 or 1? Chiru got it's core bank and that would be in thousands. Even if Chirnajeevi does not win the elections, he would not loose. He can claim for the outcome without letting TDP and Congress hijacking all glory. Secondly, Chiranjeevi also proves "active" politician. For someone who had seen many ups and downs in silver screen before becoming a Megastar, Chiranjeevi must of learned of the risks. When he took the riskiest decision to go for United Andhra Pradesh then, Andhra, Rayalaseema and Telangana matters.
In the end, actions matter than words. Don't miss the action!
Nizamabad became core to the congress game plan. It was Dharmapuri Srinivas, the PCC President who lost this seat to TRS candidate. With sudden demise of YS Rajasekhara Reddy, D Srinivas lost a golden opportunity. Had he been an MLA, DS would have been Chief Minister. But the choice went for K Rosaiah. Despite all round support from Congress high command Rosaiah is looking vulnerable on all fronts. Congress is not having any alternative and it is not willing to give CM chair to YS Jagan who is still waging wars and battles. To counter Jagan, DS probably is seeing himself as best alternative since he comes from Telangana, a Backward caste leader, and 100% faithful to high command (essentially it means, he does not use his brain for any important decision). Rosaiah qualifies only on the last aspect and hence DS is dreaming of Chief Minister like his other friend neighbouring district, G Venkata Swamy had been dreaming of President of India.
Anyway, getting back to the subject - Telugu Desam & Nara Chandrababu Naidu game plan is different - it wants to nail down TRS and KCR as much as possible. Both Congress and TDP, as far as this election is concerned are at ground zero. Any one contesting in the election will gain if at all, expect TRS which will have to defend it's position. In this game plan, Naidu is trying to kill two birds with one shot. Even if TDP gains couple of seats then, he could control TDP leaders from Telangana and shut their mouths. Secondly it will make TRS defensive.
Now, the last important party is Prajarajyam - and decision from Chiranjeevi. Unlike Congress and TDP, Chiranjeevi took decisive step in going for United Andhra Pradesh. That means, he wanted to keep Andhra Pradesh as a single state without bifurcation. And that includes Telangana. Unlike TDP and Congress leaders he never demeaned Telangana or Telangana people. He is in a unique position. But for some reason, he lacks the game plan and strategy (not first time). While Chiranjeevi is coming to the core issue straight on, Congress and TDP taking contextual stand. For example, if TRS looses 8 seats in the elections -then both TDP and Congress would change the game plan. Immediately they will join Chiranjeevi boat and claim that Telangana sentiment is not as strong (it is import to understand this tone and language).
There is no doubt that Congress came back to power in 2009 only because of Chiranjeevi. He split the votes and that benefited Congress. How many votes PRP would get if it contests in the elections - 0 or 1? Chiru got it's core bank and that would be in thousands. Even if Chirnajeevi does not win the elections, he would not loose. He can claim for the outcome without letting TDP and Congress hijacking all glory. Secondly, Chiranjeevi also proves "active" politician. For someone who had seen many ups and downs in silver screen before becoming a Megastar, Chiranjeevi must of learned of the risks. When he took the riskiest decision to go for United Andhra Pradesh then, Andhra, Rayalaseema and Telangana matters.
In the end, actions matter than words. Don't miss the action!
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Telugu Desam Party - And It's Long Term Decay Part-II
From 2004, when TDP became opposition, both party and the leadership failed to understand the reasons for the defeat fully. With Eenadu first and then Andhra Jyothy starting direct attack almost immediately against the YS Rajasekhar Reddy government, Chandra Babu Naidu viewed world through these two papers only. At the same time, having realised that too much focus on Technology sector costed them dearly, CBN made some feable attempts to adddress the groups he ignored, specially farmers.
Meanwhile, the Telangana became an emotional issue. Congress having won with the alliance of the Telangana Rastra Smithi (TRS) moved the decision on Telangana into a perennial and complex loops. Congress party in the state was split and it turned imotional. As weeks and years passed, it essentially became emotional war between YSR Group and the rest in the Congress party.
As political heat reached pinnacle on Telangana issue, Naidu was in a deep dialemma as he was never in favour of a seperate state. Telugu Desam was symbol of unified Andhra Pradesh. But, as Congress was battling out in the charged environment, canny Naidu seen an opportunity as he was put under deep pressure with in the party by the then top leaders like Devender Goud. Finally, when Goud left the party in the name of Telengana, Naidu's options were getting limited. Sensing the political style of Naidu, many top leaders from other regions have also started deserting the party. And, Babu looked very vulnerable and succummed to the pressure. On fine day, he took a disasterous decision in favour of Telengana and most disastrously, joined hands with TRS - whose credibility was hitting all time low.
Naidu's campaign for the political mileage was also deeply fractured. He was always reactive to the decisions of the Congress government than being proctive in addressing the issues that were faced by poor, working class and farming. It was so ironic that, when the inflation reached all time high before the elections, Naidu's failed to highlight the plight through the party campaigns and rather left the propaganda to Eenadu and Andhra Jyothy. This probably is the case, with most of the issues that would have helped Naidu to gain political mileage in the course of 5 years of Congress rule.
With the arrival of Loksatta and Prajarajyam Parties, Naidu and TDP landed in identity crisis. With Chiranjeevi drawing huge crowds at rallies and road shows, Naidu was a worried man and started looking to counter the image of Megastar. He brought Nandamuri Balakrishna and NTR Jr to the campaign but in the end both these star campaigers failed midway. But CBN failed to realise, YS Rajasekhar Reddy was very cool and instead of looking for cine glamour, he was working seriously on fundamentals. Panicked, Naidu announced cash transfer schemes and free colour TV's in a desperate attempt to attract the core voters, who he thought were not getting attracted to TDP or going away. Congress came back with credibility slogan and successfully passed on the message that these are mare poll gimmick's and given the evidence on how he scrapped Rs2/Kg rice schemes.
TDP, slowly but surely became a family party. Nandamuri family - Balakrishna, Harikrishna, NTR Jr, Taraka Ratna, Kalyana Ram and Naidu's son - Lokesh Naidu became the core team and public face of the party. Only outsider, Roja proved to be a liability for the party. Added to this, Naidu's autocratic style and poor listening skills - made many top leaders to leave the party in favour of PRP, TRS or Congress. It might be pertinent to note that it was TDP, which lost huge number of top and long standing leaders than any other party prior to the 2009 elections.
Naidu's decision to form the mahakootami or Grand Alliance of the four parties with fundamental idealogical differences on many core issues was the fatal errror. This firmly moved TDP away from it's core idealogies and it became too obvious that, Naidu was in a panic and desperate mode to gain the power and deny Congress or YSR another term.
Finally when the d-day came, Naidu lost the elections.
With two successive elections defeats and huge shift from the party idealogies on which party was formed more than 25 years ago, TDP is now a party in decay mode. Nara Chandrababu Naidu lives in a state of denial and never accepts responsibility for this disaster. While he was Chief Minister he fired a number of officials for simple mistakes and made them accountable. But, why he does not apply same rule when he ruined the party?
Naidu suffers from several complexities. He used the name of NT Rama Rao and his children but, he never subscribed to NTR's vision or idealogies while in power or outside.
With arrival of PRP, though it suffered badly in the elections, with 17% share - PRP is going to be a big challenger for the TDP in next elections. From the messages that are coming from Chiru- it is clear that Megastar accepted the resposibility for the debacle, and promised to look deep into the issues and address them. If that happens, Chiru's political graph is going to raise. Chiru already sidelined his brothers and probably remove Allu Aravind as public face of the party. Unfortunately, CBN wanted to bring his son Lokesh Naidu (to counter YS Jaganmohan Reddy), and keep Nadamuri clan as his campaign ammunition. If N Jayaprakash Narayan lives up to his words and delivers at Kukatpally and in Assmembly, many of the TDP voters would move away from this party in favour of Lok Satta.
For those people who consider TDP is their (Kamma) Party or those who are with in the party and committed to the success of TDP in 2014, or for all those party sympathisers - it is time to think and consider that Nara Chandrababu Naidu is not the right person to lead the party for such a grand victory.
Naidu is a basically a good Manager or a Back room operator. But he is not Leader who can lead the party and take responsibility for failures as well as for victories. What party needs is to, revisit and revitalise the core idealogies and campaign on the same principles in today context as NT Rama Rao faught for the gretest victory in 1983.
After watching Naidu from the front for 15 years, I am sure he is not the right person. In the end it is choice between survival / revival of TDP and Naidu as a leader. If the later is the choice, then Party decay going into acceleration mode.
Meanwhile, the Telangana became an emotional issue. Congress having won with the alliance of the Telangana Rastra Smithi (TRS) moved the decision on Telangana into a perennial and complex loops. Congress party in the state was split and it turned imotional. As weeks and years passed, it essentially became emotional war between YSR Group and the rest in the Congress party.
As political heat reached pinnacle on Telangana issue, Naidu was in a deep dialemma as he was never in favour of a seperate state. Telugu Desam was symbol of unified Andhra Pradesh. But, as Congress was battling out in the charged environment, canny Naidu seen an opportunity as he was put under deep pressure with in the party by the then top leaders like Devender Goud. Finally, when Goud left the party in the name of Telengana, Naidu's options were getting limited. Sensing the political style of Naidu, many top leaders from other regions have also started deserting the party. And, Babu looked very vulnerable and succummed to the pressure. On fine day, he took a disasterous decision in favour of Telengana and most disastrously, joined hands with TRS - whose credibility was hitting all time low.
Naidu's campaign for the political mileage was also deeply fractured. He was always reactive to the decisions of the Congress government than being proctive in addressing the issues that were faced by poor, working class and farming. It was so ironic that, when the inflation reached all time high before the elections, Naidu's failed to highlight the plight through the party campaigns and rather left the propaganda to Eenadu and Andhra Jyothy. This probably is the case, with most of the issues that would have helped Naidu to gain political mileage in the course of 5 years of Congress rule.
With the arrival of Loksatta and Prajarajyam Parties, Naidu and TDP landed in identity crisis. With Chiranjeevi drawing huge crowds at rallies and road shows, Naidu was a worried man and started looking to counter the image of Megastar. He brought Nandamuri Balakrishna and NTR Jr to the campaign but in the end both these star campaigers failed midway. But CBN failed to realise, YS Rajasekhar Reddy was very cool and instead of looking for cine glamour, he was working seriously on fundamentals. Panicked, Naidu announced cash transfer schemes and free colour TV's in a desperate attempt to attract the core voters, who he thought were not getting attracted to TDP or going away. Congress came back with credibility slogan and successfully passed on the message that these are mare poll gimmick's and given the evidence on how he scrapped Rs2/Kg rice schemes.
TDP, slowly but surely became a family party. Nandamuri family - Balakrishna, Harikrishna, NTR Jr, Taraka Ratna, Kalyana Ram and Naidu's son - Lokesh Naidu became the core team and public face of the party. Only outsider, Roja proved to be a liability for the party. Added to this, Naidu's autocratic style and poor listening skills - made many top leaders to leave the party in favour of PRP, TRS or Congress. It might be pertinent to note that it was TDP, which lost huge number of top and long standing leaders than any other party prior to the 2009 elections.
Naidu's decision to form the mahakootami or Grand Alliance of the four parties with fundamental idealogical differences on many core issues was the fatal errror. This firmly moved TDP away from it's core idealogies and it became too obvious that, Naidu was in a panic and desperate mode to gain the power and deny Congress or YSR another term.
Finally when the d-day came, Naidu lost the elections.
With two successive elections defeats and huge shift from the party idealogies on which party was formed more than 25 years ago, TDP is now a party in decay mode. Nara Chandrababu Naidu lives in a state of denial and never accepts responsibility for this disaster. While he was Chief Minister he fired a number of officials for simple mistakes and made them accountable. But, why he does not apply same rule when he ruined the party?
Naidu suffers from several complexities. He used the name of NT Rama Rao and his children but, he never subscribed to NTR's vision or idealogies while in power or outside.
With arrival of PRP, though it suffered badly in the elections, with 17% share - PRP is going to be a big challenger for the TDP in next elections. From the messages that are coming from Chiru- it is clear that Megastar accepted the resposibility for the debacle, and promised to look deep into the issues and address them. If that happens, Chiru's political graph is going to raise. Chiru already sidelined his brothers and probably remove Allu Aravind as public face of the party. Unfortunately, CBN wanted to bring his son Lokesh Naidu (to counter YS Jaganmohan Reddy), and keep Nadamuri clan as his campaign ammunition. If N Jayaprakash Narayan lives up to his words and delivers at Kukatpally and in Assmembly, many of the TDP voters would move away from this party in favour of Lok Satta.
For those people who consider TDP is their (Kamma) Party or those who are with in the party and committed to the success of TDP in 2014, or for all those party sympathisers - it is time to think and consider that Nara Chandrababu Naidu is not the right person to lead the party for such a grand victory.
Naidu is a basically a good Manager or a Back room operator. But he is not Leader who can lead the party and take responsibility for failures as well as for victories. What party needs is to, revisit and revitalise the core idealogies and campaign on the same principles in today context as NT Rama Rao faught for the gretest victory in 1983.
After watching Naidu from the front for 15 years, I am sure he is not the right person. In the end it is choice between survival / revival of TDP and Naidu as a leader. If the later is the choice, then Party decay going into acceleration mode.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
AP Elections 2009: And Now, Next Five Years
Well, Results have come and what I have said in my blog on 13th April even before elections have started have come true (Please see: http://inmymotherland.blogspot.com/2009/04/ap-elections-2009who-will-be-winner.html).
Congress retained power and Telugu Desam bitten dust.
Prajarajyam Party, I think did a commendable performance as we cannot keep on comparing the heroics of NT RamaRao. Probably it could have done even better if Magastar Chiranjeevi took the leadership than delegating key decisions to his brother in law Allu Aravind. Looks like he now realised the mistake and allegations that rocked the party
As I explained in my blogs, the loss of Telugu Desam Party is due to lack of credibility with Chandrababu Naidu. It is proved once again that CBN is a day dreamer. His dreams come through the writings of Eenadu and Ramoji Rao. He thinks they are gospel truth. He goes by his Political Guru's advise and now that he had bitten twice, I think CBN only way out is to be become more realistic and stop seeing the world through Ramoji Rao.
Unless there is some solid shakeup - perhaps removing CBN from top, I think Telugu Desam Party is not going to be a winner in 2014 elections. After all, Chandrababu Naidu must take responsibilty for defeat and cannot hide himself under the name of analysis. Will he do? No. Even if he wants - where is the alternative. Babu ensured that there is no No#2 in party and Lokesh Naidu is too young for that job now.
Now congratulations to Dr Y S Rajasekhar Reddy. He is the real life hero. He took the biggest challenges and risked his political life in this elections and emerged winner. Even if Chandrababu Naidu cannot take personal responsibility for the TDP performance, people by and large can give credit to YSR for this stunning victory and YSR can claim heads up victory. Ruling a Congress government in Andhra Pradesh is not an easy job. But now looking forward, for YSR - another 5 years rule is looking very easy now.
YS Rajasekhar Reddy comes to the power with advantages and disadvantages, opportunities and challenges. His biggest advantage is all those his bitter critics have lost elections. Thus, he is going to become strongest Congress Leader in the state history. This is his disadvantage as well. Now, his eyes cannot see and ears can listen. Hence, unless he is realistic and sensitive to issues - he will end up paying heavy price for his mistakes. YSR also must remember, it is Prajarajyam Party that helped a lot to secure his victory and it could be possible that same PRP may secure his defeat in 2014 elections.
On opportunities, with Congress government at Centre, and by sending maximum Congress MP numbers from any state in India, YSR can do lot to Andhra Pradesh. In the ceased loksabha despite having numbers, Andhra Pradesh MP's could not get anything significant for the state - while Tamil Nadu could extract even the last blood drop with no signficant numbers. Specially in terms of getting Railway budgets and development of Telengana and North Coastal Andhra in terms of utilities will have big opportunity.
Biggest challenge for YSR is his chaotic state administration. Unlike CBN who was credited with efficient administration, YSR failed to deliver. In this second term, he may look at this with care and ensure that clean administration is provided for citizens. Second challenge would on the corruption allegations. The fact that he returned to power does not absolve him from the repeated allegations. Finally, nepotism and favouritism must be checked at reasonable limits.
Finally for Prajarajyam - if the right moves are made - I believe it is the next party to challenge the Congress in 2014 elections. It is clear that TDP is in decay. Already it lost most of the leaders and now it suffers from strategic blunders. Any deviation from the current thinking, would make TDP even vulnerable. Unlike TDP, PRP can build long term strategy and move up in the power chain as long as Chiranjeevi comes out the reel world and become realistic to deal with the people issues. And this is not difficult for Chiranjeevi since he worked very hard from grassroots to reach pinnacle in silver screen. Also, despite all allegations agaist the PRP - no one said personally anything against Megastar.
The fate of Telangana Rastra Samithi (TRS) is ceased. With a maverick brother, KCR and sister, Vijayashanti alias Ramulamma in parliament with no power to influence, TRS cannot do much in the coming years. Having had the experience with TRS last time, Congress would not let them come any closer with any demands. It is probably difficult for TRS to keep the MLA's in its fold as they, along with TRS cadre see Chandradekhar Rao as a liability.
5 years may be too long - but it is the time to start working either to retain or regain power.
Congress retained power and Telugu Desam bitten dust.
Prajarajyam Party, I think did a commendable performance as we cannot keep on comparing the heroics of NT RamaRao. Probably it could have done even better if Magastar Chiranjeevi took the leadership than delegating key decisions to his brother in law Allu Aravind. Looks like he now realised the mistake and allegations that rocked the party
As I explained in my blogs, the loss of Telugu Desam Party is due to lack of credibility with Chandrababu Naidu. It is proved once again that CBN is a day dreamer. His dreams come through the writings of Eenadu and Ramoji Rao. He thinks they are gospel truth. He goes by his Political Guru's advise and now that he had bitten twice, I think CBN only way out is to be become more realistic and stop seeing the world through Ramoji Rao.
Unless there is some solid shakeup - perhaps removing CBN from top, I think Telugu Desam Party is not going to be a winner in 2014 elections. After all, Chandrababu Naidu must take responsibilty for defeat and cannot hide himself under the name of analysis. Will he do? No. Even if he wants - where is the alternative. Babu ensured that there is no No#2 in party and Lokesh Naidu is too young for that job now.
Now congratulations to Dr Y S Rajasekhar Reddy. He is the real life hero. He took the biggest challenges and risked his political life in this elections and emerged winner. Even if Chandrababu Naidu cannot take personal responsibility for the TDP performance, people by and large can give credit to YSR for this stunning victory and YSR can claim heads up victory. Ruling a Congress government in Andhra Pradesh is not an easy job. But now looking forward, for YSR - another 5 years rule is looking very easy now.
YS Rajasekhar Reddy comes to the power with advantages and disadvantages, opportunities and challenges. His biggest advantage is all those his bitter critics have lost elections. Thus, he is going to become strongest Congress Leader in the state history. This is his disadvantage as well. Now, his eyes cannot see and ears can listen. Hence, unless he is realistic and sensitive to issues - he will end up paying heavy price for his mistakes. YSR also must remember, it is Prajarajyam Party that helped a lot to secure his victory and it could be possible that same PRP may secure his defeat in 2014 elections.
On opportunities, with Congress government at Centre, and by sending maximum Congress MP numbers from any state in India, YSR can do lot to Andhra Pradesh. In the ceased loksabha despite having numbers, Andhra Pradesh MP's could not get anything significant for the state - while Tamil Nadu could extract even the last blood drop with no signficant numbers. Specially in terms of getting Railway budgets and development of Telengana and North Coastal Andhra in terms of utilities will have big opportunity.
Biggest challenge for YSR is his chaotic state administration. Unlike CBN who was credited with efficient administration, YSR failed to deliver. In this second term, he may look at this with care and ensure that clean administration is provided for citizens. Second challenge would on the corruption allegations. The fact that he returned to power does not absolve him from the repeated allegations. Finally, nepotism and favouritism must be checked at reasonable limits.
Finally for Prajarajyam - if the right moves are made - I believe it is the next party to challenge the Congress in 2014 elections. It is clear that TDP is in decay. Already it lost most of the leaders and now it suffers from strategic blunders. Any deviation from the current thinking, would make TDP even vulnerable. Unlike TDP, PRP can build long term strategy and move up in the power chain as long as Chiranjeevi comes out the reel world and become realistic to deal with the people issues. And this is not difficult for Chiranjeevi since he worked very hard from grassroots to reach pinnacle in silver screen. Also, despite all allegations agaist the PRP - no one said personally anything against Megastar.
The fate of Telangana Rastra Samithi (TRS) is ceased. With a maverick brother, KCR and sister, Vijayashanti alias Ramulamma in parliament with no power to influence, TRS cannot do much in the coming years. Having had the experience with TRS last time, Congress would not let them come any closer with any demands. It is probably difficult for TRS to keep the MLA's in its fold as they, along with TRS cadre see Chandradekhar Rao as a liability.
5 years may be too long - but it is the time to start working either to retain or regain power.
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Is It Just Telengana Voter To Teach A Lesson?
Telengana became a sacred cow. Most of the politicians want to respect it in the name of sentiment. In the last assembly elections, when Congress and TRS have swept power from Telugu Desam Party, one of the joint agenda at that time was to go in favour of Telengana State. The main reason why Telengana came up as an issue again was Chandrasekhara Rao, now the TRS Leader did not get appropriate post in the Telugu Desam Party. Chandrababu Naidu then Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh was against a separate Telangana State.
Congress at the time in 2004, was in hopeless situation with no prospect of winning an election and desperately in need of an emotional agenda. Also going by the political adage - "enemies enemy is my friend", Congress joined hands with TRS. Down the line in five years - Congress did not make it because they did not want.
Now the elections on horizon, all equations have changed. Now Telugu Desam Leader, Chandrababu Naidu is for Telengana. Chiranjeevi is ready to respect the sentiment. YS Rajasekhar Reddy is only leader for the unified Andhra Pradesh. And Communists parties though with the TDP and TRS in Mahaa Kootami, are not in favour of separate state.
Now, the leaders in Maha Kootami want Telengana Voter to teach a lesson to Congress for ditching the agenda. Why? If you look at the last elections forced by the maverick TRS Leader as referendum, it lost the elections hopelessly in Telengana. Telangana people have given the latest verdict - they do not want TRS nor separate Telengana. Now, it is time to teach a lesson to Telugu Desam Party.
Going beyond Telengana, it amuses me that Andhra and Rayalaseema voters are considered dumb and they cannot teach a lesson at to these wily politicians. Is it not the time that voters in these regions teach a lesson to Chandra Babu Naidu for joining hands with a maverick just for the sake of power?
When it comes to consistency, it is proved that Rajasekhar Reddy is better than Chandrababu Naidu or Chiranjeevi. While Naidu is an opportunist, Chinranjeevi does not have any agenda at all. Eenadu and Andhra Jyothy say YSR is corrupt. But, can they say - without any inhibition that Naidu is not corrupt? The matter of fact is - all these top leaders are morally and monitority corrupt. And Dr YS Rajasekhar Reddy is not just on off.
In the end, as some saying goes "known devil is better than unknown friend" - it is always better to trust some one who is consistent even in "evil" than other who is a "wicked" and "unpredictable".
I hope Andhra and Rayalaseema voters will teach a lesson to Naidu for ditching them for his wicked politics and power.
Congress at the time in 2004, was in hopeless situation with no prospect of winning an election and desperately in need of an emotional agenda. Also going by the political adage - "enemies enemy is my friend", Congress joined hands with TRS. Down the line in five years - Congress did not make it because they did not want.
Now the elections on horizon, all equations have changed. Now Telugu Desam Leader, Chandrababu Naidu is for Telengana. Chiranjeevi is ready to respect the sentiment. YS Rajasekhar Reddy is only leader for the unified Andhra Pradesh. And Communists parties though with the TDP and TRS in Mahaa Kootami, are not in favour of separate state.
Now, the leaders in Maha Kootami want Telengana Voter to teach a lesson to Congress for ditching the agenda. Why? If you look at the last elections forced by the maverick TRS Leader as referendum, it lost the elections hopelessly in Telengana. Telangana people have given the latest verdict - they do not want TRS nor separate Telengana. Now, it is time to teach a lesson to Telugu Desam Party.
Going beyond Telengana, it amuses me that Andhra and Rayalaseema voters are considered dumb and they cannot teach a lesson at to these wily politicians. Is it not the time that voters in these regions teach a lesson to Chandra Babu Naidu for joining hands with a maverick just for the sake of power?
When it comes to consistency, it is proved that Rajasekhar Reddy is better than Chandrababu Naidu or Chiranjeevi. While Naidu is an opportunist, Chinranjeevi does not have any agenda at all. Eenadu and Andhra Jyothy say YSR is corrupt. But, can they say - without any inhibition that Naidu is not corrupt? The matter of fact is - all these top leaders are morally and monitority corrupt. And Dr YS Rajasekhar Reddy is not just on off.
In the end, as some saying goes "known devil is better than unknown friend" - it is always better to trust some one who is consistent even in "evil" than other who is a "wicked" and "unpredictable".
I hope Andhra and Rayalaseema voters will teach a lesson to Naidu for ditching them for his wicked politics and power.
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Seven solid Problems that will ruin Chiranjeevi political career
Chiranjeevi, the yesterday days Mega Star is now a politician. He is more than three weeks old and during this period we have seen good indicators how he would emerge as a leader in Andhra Pradesh.
Chiranjeevi's upside is more hyped than problematic downside. Let's see why, Chiranjeevi political career could be ruined.
N0#1 - Balancing act: Chiranjeevi is basically trying to balance all his actions to appease various sections of the society. More he talks about balancing, more people are becoming hesitantabout his vision. Those who remember NT Rama Rao entry, he never talked about the balancing or invitations. NTR was never afraid of anyone, and simply everyone else followed him. That was the beginning and that was the end.
No#2 - Social Justice: He wanted to do mythical social justice to all. But he does not know how it can be done? Even if he attempts to do that, how will he measure it? His social justice is an attempt to suppress the current political structure and giving opportunity to other communities.
No#3 - Dreams: His party already came to a foregone conclusion that they will be power in 2009. In coming months Chiranjeevi will face true fight specifically from TDP (with Nandamuri family entry) and also from Congress. This will make him and his party more vulnerable because most of the people joining the party are "side tracked" in those parties.
No#4 - I am clean: This message that I am a clean politician and rest all are corrupted will back fire in back months. There will many political asylum seeks in Prajarajyam with lot of baggage and Chiranjeevi will find it difficult to answer.
N0#5 - No specific agenda: On major issues like Telengana, Chiranjeevi is not having any clear agenda. Basically his decisions will be based on political opportunity than anything else. This will prove a disaster.
No#6 - Preaching Vs practice: When it comes to what he tells and what he does, Chiranjeevi got two tongues. He did not agree for his daughter inter-caste marriage, then he talks about social justice and bless other inter-caste marriages.
No#7 - Power Struggle: All political parties will face power struggle and Praja Rajyam is no exception. With radically opposite attitudes with his coterie (read Allu Arvind), Chiranjeevi will find it hard to make his way forward. Also, the people who are coming into the party now will feel sidelined vis-a-vis the Chiranjeevi fans or vice verse
Chiranjeevi's upside is more hyped than problematic downside. Let's see why, Chiranjeevi political career could be ruined.
N0#1 - Balancing act: Chiranjeevi is basically trying to balance all his actions to appease various sections of the society. More he talks about balancing, more people are becoming hesitantabout his vision. Those who remember NT Rama Rao entry, he never talked about the balancing or invitations. NTR was never afraid of anyone, and simply everyone else followed him. That was the beginning and that was the end.
No#2 - Social Justice: He wanted to do mythical social justice to all. But he does not know how it can be done? Even if he attempts to do that, how will he measure it? His social justice is an attempt to suppress the current political structure and giving opportunity to other communities.
No#3 - Dreams: His party already came to a foregone conclusion that they will be power in 2009. In coming months Chiranjeevi will face true fight specifically from TDP (with Nandamuri family entry) and also from Congress. This will make him and his party more vulnerable because most of the people joining the party are "side tracked" in those parties.
No#4 - I am clean: This message that I am a clean politician and rest all are corrupted will back fire in back months. There will many political asylum seeks in Prajarajyam with lot of baggage and Chiranjeevi will find it difficult to answer.
N0#5 - No specific agenda: On major issues like Telengana, Chiranjeevi is not having any clear agenda. Basically his decisions will be based on political opportunity than anything else. This will prove a disaster.
No#6 - Preaching Vs practice: When it comes to what he tells and what he does, Chiranjeevi got two tongues. He did not agree for his daughter inter-caste marriage, then he talks about social justice and bless other inter-caste marriages.
No#7 - Power Struggle: All political parties will face power struggle and Praja Rajyam is no exception. With radically opposite attitudes with his coterie (read Allu Arvind), Chiranjeevi will find it hard to make his way forward. Also, the people who are coming into the party now will feel sidelined vis-a-vis the Chiranjeevi fans or vice verse
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Good luck to Chiranjeevi - the fourth political party in AP in the millennium
After many months of suspense, finally Chiranjeevi himself confirmed his intention to launch a new political party. Though this is not the first party to be launched since beginning of the new millennium, clearly this new party is raising lot of hopes. The three parties came up since year 2000 - namely Loksatta, TRS and Nava Telangana Party created lot of excitement at the time of their birth. But as time passed, none of them sustained the momentum.
Loksatta, with Dr Jayaprakash Narayana leadership - despite undue advantage of coverage with couple of Telugu newspapers, remained idealistic all along - and it will remain like that until something extraordinary happens. This party is practically a non entity. Loksatta is an example and proof that idealism and lofty or noble thinking would not go well with voters. Nava Telangana Party appears to be a party in waiting. It's leader Davender Goud intentions today are questionable and probably is an example of what happens if ambiguity over takes ideologies. TRS which had best of opportunities in the past four years - failed to lived up to the expectation and in the process lost it's credibility. This party is an example, how people would teach a lesson for maverick and arrogant politics.
Thus the three parties have suffered and failed due to idealism, ambiguity or arrogance (or over confidence)
Now, we have the fourth Party whose naming ceremony did not happen - whose policies are not not announced. But, Chiranjeevi is creating lot of hype and excitement for sure in the current scenario - as it happened with the launch of other three parties earlier.
Clearly there is a problem with the Chiranjeevi party at this moment - mismatch between expectations and reality. If this situation continues like this, then Chiranajeevi will soon end up with troubles. There are lot of political opportunists waiting to join this bandwagon. I am sure that many of them would be disappointed to see that - the new party would not give them "appropriate" respect and recognition. Sooner or later we will start seeing reversal of trend and accusation against the new party. The issue of nepotism as seen is with Telugu Desam Party is clearly visible. And this will be a biggest challenge for Chiranjeevi even if the family is not part of the named leadership. Last but not least, is the issue of caste. These three issues are foundations for the party success and future.
What this new party can do is a million dollar questions. Honestly there is little Chiranjeevi can do in reality. If Chiranjeevi can achieve 50% of what might think he could offer to people of state, that itself is a great achievement. The roots of the System are so strong that it is not possible to change it. This is not a movie like Thagoor and real life is not same a reel life for Chiranjeevi.
It is time that will tell what is Chiranjeevi is up to. Meanwhile, it is good time to wish, Chiru all the best and hope he would become a role model politician for the future generations.
17 Aug 2008
-------------
Loksatta, with Dr Jayaprakash Narayana leadership - despite undue advantage of coverage with couple of Telugu newspapers, remained idealistic all along - and it will remain like that until something extraordinary happens. This party is practically a non entity. Loksatta is an example and proof that idealism and lofty or noble thinking would not go well with voters. Nava Telangana Party appears to be a party in waiting. It's leader Davender Goud intentions today are questionable and probably is an example of what happens if ambiguity over takes ideologies. TRS which had best of opportunities in the past four years - failed to lived up to the expectation and in the process lost it's credibility. This party is an example, how people would teach a lesson for maverick and arrogant politics.
Thus the three parties have suffered and failed due to idealism, ambiguity or arrogance (or over confidence)
Now, we have the fourth Party whose naming ceremony did not happen - whose policies are not not announced. But, Chiranjeevi is creating lot of hype and excitement for sure in the current scenario - as it happened with the launch of other three parties earlier.
Clearly there is a problem with the Chiranjeevi party at this moment - mismatch between expectations and reality. If this situation continues like this, then Chiranajeevi will soon end up with troubles. There are lot of political opportunists waiting to join this bandwagon. I am sure that many of them would be disappointed to see that - the new party would not give them "appropriate" respect and recognition. Sooner or later we will start seeing reversal of trend and accusation against the new party. The issue of nepotism as seen is with Telugu Desam Party is clearly visible. And this will be a biggest challenge for Chiranjeevi even if the family is not part of the named leadership. Last but not least, is the issue of caste. These three issues are foundations for the party success and future.
What this new party can do is a million dollar questions. Honestly there is little Chiranjeevi can do in reality. If Chiranjeevi can achieve 50% of what might think he could offer to people of state, that itself is a great achievement. The roots of the System are so strong that it is not possible to change it. This is not a movie like Thagoor and real life is not same a reel life for Chiranjeevi.
It is time that will tell what is Chiranjeevi is up to. Meanwhile, it is good time to wish, Chiru all the best and hope he would become a role model politician for the future generations.
17 Aug 2008
-------------
Saturday, August 09, 2008
Mega flop?
Chiranjeevi is turning out to be a mysterious man. As each day passes there is more confusion added due to gossip or otherwise. Media is adding their own angle to the suspense. All in all, one thing is clear - Chiranjeevi the Megastar, is failing to distinguish between a release of his movie and launch of a political party.
In case of movie, when it fails the loss is for the producer. And Chiranjeevi never himself produced a movie. A flop movie would have blur on the image but with his legacy in Tollywood, Chiru managed to recoup the losses. It is this image, stage managed by his managers and fans sustained his No#1 position in Tollywood.
If the message that we are getting since the gossip started long back till now - with more or less a formal confirmation that Chiranjeevi entry into politics is inevitable, we see more chaos than a clarity or direction. There is a clear indication of hesitation. The reasons range from tentativeness, astrological reasons, fear of failure, ability to cope with stress -- well some of them may be pure speculation and some might be fact.
Considering the current political climate in Andhra Pradesh, it is difficult to provide a choice or opportunity of change. The state is struggling with regional feeling, caste politics, insurgency, and visible poverty. Rural and urban divide is increasing fast. What choice Chiranjeevi can offer? What change in the socio-political and economic landscape Chiru can bring changes. It is not possible to bring a acceptable level of abstraction that will enthuse ordinary voters. Considering his hesitation and messages we got till now, I wonder Chiranjeevi is only adding more confusion on account of idealism. How can Chiranjeevi advisers suggest that Chiru do justice to all sections of society? This is no more than idealism.
Other problem is - many of Chiranjeevi advisers and close circle appear to have come to a foregone conclusion that his political entry is a super hit. This is nothing more than a hype. Just because NT Rama Rao made a history, it does not mean Chiranjeevi is about to repeat. One thing that is obvious compared to NTR, Chiranjeevi is putting result before success.
Also, Chiranjeevi is going to face two formidable politicians in Chandra Babu Naidu and Dr Y S Rajasekhar Reddy. Later is best of his times in political life time.
Politics is all together a different game. The most important trait for success is politics is clarity. A clear vision. A direction. A change. A choice. From what is till now - it is clear Chiranjeevi lacks all these traits.
Unless something changes dramatically it will be maga flop.
In case of movie, when it fails the loss is for the producer. And Chiranjeevi never himself produced a movie. A flop movie would have blur on the image but with his legacy in Tollywood, Chiru managed to recoup the losses. It is this image, stage managed by his managers and fans sustained his No#1 position in Tollywood.
If the message that we are getting since the gossip started long back till now - with more or less a formal confirmation that Chiranjeevi entry into politics is inevitable, we see more chaos than a clarity or direction. There is a clear indication of hesitation. The reasons range from tentativeness, astrological reasons, fear of failure, ability to cope with stress -- well some of them may be pure speculation and some might be fact.
Considering the current political climate in Andhra Pradesh, it is difficult to provide a choice or opportunity of change. The state is struggling with regional feeling, caste politics, insurgency, and visible poverty. Rural and urban divide is increasing fast. What choice Chiranjeevi can offer? What change in the socio-political and economic landscape Chiru can bring changes. It is not possible to bring a acceptable level of abstraction that will enthuse ordinary voters. Considering his hesitation and messages we got till now, I wonder Chiranjeevi is only adding more confusion on account of idealism. How can Chiranjeevi advisers suggest that Chiru do justice to all sections of society? This is no more than idealism.
Other problem is - many of Chiranjeevi advisers and close circle appear to have come to a foregone conclusion that his political entry is a super hit. This is nothing more than a hype. Just because NT Rama Rao made a history, it does not mean Chiranjeevi is about to repeat. One thing that is obvious compared to NTR, Chiranjeevi is putting result before success.
Also, Chiranjeevi is going to face two formidable politicians in Chandra Babu Naidu and Dr Y S Rajasekhar Reddy. Later is best of his times in political life time.
Politics is all together a different game. The most important trait for success is politics is clarity. A clear vision. A direction. A change. A choice. From what is till now - it is clear Chiranjeevi lacks all these traits.
Unless something changes dramatically it will be maga flop.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Finishing Touch for Poor Chiranjeevi
Life is strange. Day in and out, many unexpected events happen in our life. We keep facing such challenges. Rarely, events in someone's life will touch us that make us to feel for them and sympathise them.
The events that started with the dramatic marriage of Chiranjeevi's second daughter have taken many twists and turns till now. At some point of time, people sympathised with Srija and thought Chiru is the villain or bad father. Later - when the issue is dragged to the court and media attention was brought in, the sympathies shifted towards Chiranjeevi. All in all, even including the episode when Pawan Kalyan handed over the pistol at police station, everyone thought that it is a family affair.
All along, however it was not ruled out, that some big shots are behind this "successful" marriage and scripting the events from there onwards. Everyone has as a wild guess. But today after reading that it is Dasari NarayanaRao who is the authoring this story, I am utterly shocked.
What a shame? Obvious reason looks like - that Dasari wanted to keep Chiru at a distance from politics and run the show on behalf of his community. If this is the case, it is now hard to understand and guess how far people would go down for the sake of power.
It is generally known that Chiranjeevi is the man with few enemies or foes. I can only count three - Mohan Babu, Dasari Narayana Rao and Shrija. It all started with Mohan Babu some months back and the other two have given finishing touch to poor Chiranjeevi.
Though I never convinced that Chiranjeevi handled his daughter's marriage episode properly, this event that Dasari is involved is touching my heart. After all Chiranjeevi has been stabbed from the behind. If this news is true, I could feel how much Chiru would be depressed.
I cannot bear this excitement anymore. Shrija - please go back to Hyderbad and stay with your in-laws and spend a happy and ordinary life. Leave your dad alone.
Let's hope there won't be another twist to this story.
The events that started with the dramatic marriage of Chiranjeevi's second daughter have taken many twists and turns till now. At some point of time, people sympathised with Srija and thought Chiru is the villain or bad father. Later - when the issue is dragged to the court and media attention was brought in, the sympathies shifted towards Chiranjeevi. All in all, even including the episode when Pawan Kalyan handed over the pistol at police station, everyone thought that it is a family affair.
All along, however it was not ruled out, that some big shots are behind this "successful" marriage and scripting the events from there onwards. Everyone has as a wild guess. But today after reading that it is Dasari NarayanaRao who is the authoring this story, I am utterly shocked.
What a shame? Obvious reason looks like - that Dasari wanted to keep Chiru at a distance from politics and run the show on behalf of his community. If this is the case, it is now hard to understand and guess how far people would go down for the sake of power.
It is generally known that Chiranjeevi is the man with few enemies or foes. I can only count three - Mohan Babu, Dasari Narayana Rao and Shrija. It all started with Mohan Babu some months back and the other two have given finishing touch to poor Chiranjeevi.
Though I never convinced that Chiranjeevi handled his daughter's marriage episode properly, this event that Dasari is involved is touching my heart. After all Chiranjeevi has been stabbed from the behind. If this news is true, I could feel how much Chiru would be depressed.
I cannot bear this excitement anymore. Shrija - please go back to Hyderbad and stay with your in-laws and spend a happy and ordinary life. Leave your dad alone.
Let's hope there won't be another twist to this story.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Failed father and family affairs
It is common to assume that if I am good at something and I am automatically good at everything. This is a basic problem with all expectations mismatch. If Manmohan Singh is best Finance Minister India ever had, it is almost certain that the same Manmohan Singh is the weakest Prime Minister India in the recent reckoning.
The same is case with everyone. Take NTR - the legend in films; perhaps worst father.
To be good and best in everything is rare and almost impossible. Unfortunately, we blindly think all the big people are best in everything.
Let's come to Chiranjeevi - is he a failed father?
Now with the drama unfolding it is possible to tell the missing bits in this puzzle. His 2nd daughter talked to him and his family long back. It is obvious that he never accepted the love affair. Preaching in his block buster movies to crores of Andhraites about the social balancing, inter-caste marriages and social cleansing, Chiru did not explain reasonably well to his daughter why he cannot accept the love affair. When there is no rational there is no argument. The age of his daughter or her unfortunate decision both are irrelevant. It is his 2nd daugher who undertood than anyone else, that her father is only a preacher but not practitioner.
Over and above, the girl is convinced that there is strong possibility to marginalise her. The coterie around Chiru is even worst than that of the one which Gandhi family is having. Chiru is a public figure not connected with public directly. His silence and rare communication has opened lot of opportunities for his coterie to play around.
It is now certain that family decision is taken based on irrelevant aspects. Basically, probable consequence are weighed lot more than addressing girls genuine love. It is now clear that both these couple are happy, and the mud thrown to show that her husband is a criminal back fired (a suspect is not criminal. All the cases were dropped) As a matter of fact, it is now getting apparent that the criminals are in Chiru's house. The drama enacted by Chiru's brother only underlines this fact.
It is also unfortunate that, Chiru and his family who have blamed the very media for showing interest in this family affair are now using them for messages. What a shame? This is complete communication breakdown. Girl gives interviews in Delhi and family gives interviews in Hyderabad. (Father speaks like Dharmaraju in Mahabharata giving message and statements - and his brother acts like Duryodhana)
Chiranjeevi is suffering from his own success and it is leading to his down fall. The story which could have been sorted in Jubilee hills with in four walls is now in Delhi - in national and international media attention.
A great actor may be, but he is a failed father!
The same is case with everyone. Take NTR - the legend in films; perhaps worst father.
To be good and best in everything is rare and almost impossible. Unfortunately, we blindly think all the big people are best in everything.
Let's come to Chiranjeevi - is he a failed father?
Now with the drama unfolding it is possible to tell the missing bits in this puzzle. His 2nd daughter talked to him and his family long back. It is obvious that he never accepted the love affair. Preaching in his block buster movies to crores of Andhraites about the social balancing, inter-caste marriages and social cleansing, Chiru did not explain reasonably well to his daughter why he cannot accept the love affair. When there is no rational there is no argument. The age of his daughter or her unfortunate decision both are irrelevant. It is his 2nd daugher who undertood than anyone else, that her father is only a preacher but not practitioner.
Over and above, the girl is convinced that there is strong possibility to marginalise her. The coterie around Chiru is even worst than that of the one which Gandhi family is having. Chiru is a public figure not connected with public directly. His silence and rare communication has opened lot of opportunities for his coterie to play around.
It is now certain that family decision is taken based on irrelevant aspects. Basically, probable consequence are weighed lot more than addressing girls genuine love. It is now clear that both these couple are happy, and the mud thrown to show that her husband is a criminal back fired (a suspect is not criminal. All the cases were dropped) As a matter of fact, it is now getting apparent that the criminals are in Chiru's house. The drama enacted by Chiru's brother only underlines this fact.
It is also unfortunate that, Chiru and his family who have blamed the very media for showing interest in this family affair are now using them for messages. What a shame? This is complete communication breakdown. Girl gives interviews in Delhi and family gives interviews in Hyderabad. (Father speaks like Dharmaraju in Mahabharata giving message and statements - and his brother acts like Duryodhana)
Chiranjeevi is suffering from his own success and it is leading to his down fall. The story which could have been sorted in Jubilee hills with in four walls is now in Delhi - in national and international media attention.
A great actor may be, but he is a failed father!
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Chiranjeevi for Dummies
Chiranjeevi is the Man in news today for various reasons. Who is this Chiranjeevi?
1. Chiranjeevi is his film name. His real name is - Konidela Siva Sankara Vara Prasad. He a staunch devotee of Lord Hanuman and hence at the time of entering the film career - he changed his name as Chiranjeevi. In Andhra Pradesh, he also called affectionately, Chiru.
2. He comes from a very ordinary middle / lower middle class family. His childhood was like that of any Coastal Andhra lad - nothing great to record. He was an average student at his studies
3. Chiru joined Film institute at Madras (Chennai) and then like any other aspirants, started to try his luck in Tollywood films (then based in Chennai)
4. His initial roles were very much solo appearances. He struggled initially in his career to get a foot hold in highly competitive Tollywood industry. The days when Chiru trying his luck to enter the industry, it was dominated by household names like NTR, ANR, Krishna and Sobhanbabu.
5. After making number of negative or side hero roles, Chiru met with a huge success at box office with film Khaidi
6. From early 1980's Chiru's domination in the Tollywood started and as the days went by he is being iconified like the legend NTR
7. Though a very talent actor, his box office success driven him more towards commercial masala movies - like Gang leader having huge mass appeal. Some of his best performances have come in the movies like Subhalekha or Rudraveena. Perhaps to retain his mass appeal, Chiru failed to capitalise on his overall acting talents and thus lost an opportunity to become a legend like NTR.
8. Chiru married the daughter of Allu Ramalingaiah, a versatile comedian in the Telugu industry at the time he was establishing himself in Tollywood. Today, people refer - both these families together as Tollywood first family. Two of his brothers are actors, his brother in law (considered to be his chief adviser) is a producer. His son and nephew are also been into movies.
9. Chiru got a huge fan following across the AP state. His fans spread across a couple of generations due to his quater of a century presence in the industry.
10. Chiru's career peaked in late 90's. Since then, Chiru is getting on with his legecy appeal. He does only a couple of movies in a year. Due to expensive budget needs for his films, the RoI (Return on investement) aspect leaves very few producers in the business for him. He is considered to be highest paid actor in Tollywood.
11. Chiru runs a number of charitable organisation in Andhra notable are - blood bank and eye bank
12. Despite his near monopoly in the industry, Chiranjeevi is very well respected by everyone. People close to him say he is "modest and sensitive person". He rarely involved in any controversies until the problems in his family front started making headlines.
13. He was awarded a doctorate and Padma Vibushan, one of the highest civilian awards by Government of India
14. Chiru's problems started couple of years back with the marriage of his eldest daughter. A proposed inter-caste marriage was cancelled at the last minute due to pressure from his family advisers. This was followed by the allegations by one of the leading film stars in the Tollywood Diamond jubilee celebration, brought Chiranjeevi into front line for wrong reasons. Then, one of his brother got involved in a marriage issue and it dragged him to the foot steps of courts. His 2nd daughter by eloping and marrying her lover, brought further damage to Chiru's reputation.
15. Chiru is under significant pressure from various circles to enter the politics. He comes a dominant community that is politically deprived of power. The changing political scene in Andhra Pradesh is literally pushing him to make some decision.
1. Chiranjeevi is his film name. His real name is - Konidela Siva Sankara Vara Prasad. He a staunch devotee of Lord Hanuman and hence at the time of entering the film career - he changed his name as Chiranjeevi. In Andhra Pradesh, he also called affectionately, Chiru.
2. He comes from a very ordinary middle / lower middle class family. His childhood was like that of any Coastal Andhra lad - nothing great to record. He was an average student at his studies
3. Chiru joined Film institute at Madras (Chennai) and then like any other aspirants, started to try his luck in Tollywood films (then based in Chennai)
4. His initial roles were very much solo appearances. He struggled initially in his career to get a foot hold in highly competitive Tollywood industry. The days when Chiru trying his luck to enter the industry, it was dominated by household names like NTR, ANR, Krishna and Sobhanbabu.
5. After making number of negative or side hero roles, Chiru met with a huge success at box office with film Khaidi
6. From early 1980's Chiru's domination in the Tollywood started and as the days went by he is being iconified like the legend NTR
7. Though a very talent actor, his box office success driven him more towards commercial masala movies - like Gang leader having huge mass appeal. Some of his best performances have come in the movies like Subhalekha or Rudraveena. Perhaps to retain his mass appeal, Chiru failed to capitalise on his overall acting talents and thus lost an opportunity to become a legend like NTR.
8. Chiru married the daughter of Allu Ramalingaiah, a versatile comedian in the Telugu industry at the time he was establishing himself in Tollywood. Today, people refer - both these families together as Tollywood first family. Two of his brothers are actors, his brother in law (considered to be his chief adviser) is a producer. His son and nephew are also been into movies.
9. Chiru got a huge fan following across the AP state. His fans spread across a couple of generations due to his quater of a century presence in the industry.
10. Chiru's career peaked in late 90's. Since then, Chiru is getting on with his legecy appeal. He does only a couple of movies in a year. Due to expensive budget needs for his films, the RoI (Return on investement) aspect leaves very few producers in the business for him. He is considered to be highest paid actor in Tollywood.
11. Chiru runs a number of charitable organisation in Andhra notable are - blood bank and eye bank
12. Despite his near monopoly in the industry, Chiranjeevi is very well respected by everyone. People close to him say he is "modest and sensitive person". He rarely involved in any controversies until the problems in his family front started making headlines.
13. He was awarded a doctorate and Padma Vibushan, one of the highest civilian awards by Government of India
14. Chiru's problems started couple of years back with the marriage of his eldest daughter. A proposed inter-caste marriage was cancelled at the last minute due to pressure from his family advisers. This was followed by the allegations by one of the leading film stars in the Tollywood Diamond jubilee celebration, brought Chiranjeevi into front line for wrong reasons. Then, one of his brother got involved in a marriage issue and it dragged him to the foot steps of courts. His 2nd daughter by eloping and marrying her lover, brought further damage to Chiru's reputation.
15. Chiru is under significant pressure from various circles to enter the politics. He comes a dominant community that is politically deprived of power. The changing political scene in Andhra Pradesh is literally pushing him to make some decision.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Real life Vs Reel life
Sorry to Chiranjeevi as a father. It is hard for any parent to face such a situation in real life. What is amazing is the response from the Chiru's daughter seeking police protection. Unless, she is not implying that there is a real danger to her and newly wed in truest sense, it is a matter of concern. I hope that some kind of "reel" wisdom would prevail with Chiru and his advisers.
At the critical juncture in his life, when he is looking to get into politics, any "villain" role in the real life would bury all the reputation he had built over the decades. Also, he must be careful, about the future of son.
Like a reel life hero as did in numerous occasions, it is better to reflect on the situation and bless the couple with love and affection.
From the video, the boys looks smart, and he is an Engineer in making. The boy too appears to have taken risk against his parent wishes. It is is better to recall a famous dialogue from one of his blockbuster and repeat to them with affection.
Let's hope Chiru will enact a "reel" life action in the "real life" and prove that he not only act for money but, lives up to that reputation.
Public memory is poor and the decision should never be taken for the sake of public!
Let's see, if he is a real life Hero or Villain role in the end!
At the critical juncture in his life, when he is looking to get into politics, any "villain" role in the real life would bury all the reputation he had built over the decades. Also, he must be careful, about the future of son.
Like a reel life hero as did in numerous occasions, it is better to reflect on the situation and bless the couple with love and affection.
From the video, the boys looks smart, and he is an Engineer in making. The boy too appears to have taken risk against his parent wishes. It is is better to recall a famous dialogue from one of his blockbuster and repeat to them with affection.
Let's hope Chiru will enact a "reel" life action in the "real life" and prove that he not only act for money but, lives up to that reputation.
Public memory is poor and the decision should never be taken for the sake of public!
Let's see, if he is a real life Hero or Villain role in the end!
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Chiranjeevi - Road ahead and Options (Part-II)
Then, there are many rumours floating around that Chiru may come into politics. It is difficult to know one thing for sure at this stage - is Chiru interested or someone wanted to push him in to politics. Till now, Chiru consistently maintained that he is not interested in politics. He gives impression that he is more interested in pursuing his welfare activities. At the same time it is hard to resist the temptations. After all, on having poplularity and wealth - Power is the natural progression.
I never met Chiru in my life - the closest I watched him was from 100 meters in theaters or from 20 ft on TV. From the reports in media, gossips, rumours, interviews, and more importantly from his track record in Tollywood and his welfare activities - it is not difficult to summarise Chiru's strengths and opportunities to the Powerful position in AP politics.
Chiru still got very good following with in youth and middle class. His welfare activities may have endeared many. He carries a clean image - the biggest asset.
Secondly, the ubiquitous caste politics in AP provides a strong base. The power in state is split between two economically and politically strong communities. There are few alternatives today for the voters and Chiru fills the gap well. Also that fact that Loksatta is a disaster (largely due to its Leader's mistakes), middle class are open to accept Chiru as an alternative
Thirdly, Chiru seems to be kind hearted and genuine person. He appears to mean what he says. Tollywood is a mini Andhra. In such industry if Chiru could survive maintaining neutrality for so long - he can make it in politics.
Lastly, Chiru can be seen as symbol of unified Andhra Pradesh. He can counter Telengana sentiment with genuine approach.
But Politics is not movies. Beyond the popularity, any other similarities end.
Polictics is about performance. Chiru will be everything - script writer, Story teller, Director. He will have to perform his own stunts. Thus, the first question is - does Chiru got the story of politics right?
Secondly, Chiru lacks the Charisma of NTR, Polictical acumen of P V Narasimaha Rao or Administrative skills of Chenna Reddy or Vision of Jalagam Vengal Rao. Obviously, Chiru needs right people to fill the gaps except on the Charisma front. How good are the those friends and advisers "pushing" Chiru?
Slowly but surely, if he wants or not, Chiru is building his family empire. Already there is strong perception about nepotism. Power is a big sucker. It will suck everyone in and Chiru would find it difficult to manage them. Being just a good and being right are two different aspects.
The state which is slowly but surely tilting pro-rich, require a leader who got guts, energy, commitment, vision and honesty to serve the poor. People are waiting for someone who can improve the quality of their lives. Today in AP it is fact that Rich are becoming rich and poor are becoming poor.
There is an opportunity - is Chiru ready to grab it and become a real hero or remain a reel hero?
Let's wait and see
I never met Chiru in my life - the closest I watched him was from 100 meters in theaters or from 20 ft on TV. From the reports in media, gossips, rumours, interviews, and more importantly from his track record in Tollywood and his welfare activities - it is not difficult to summarise Chiru's strengths and opportunities to the Powerful position in AP politics.
Chiru still got very good following with in youth and middle class. His welfare activities may have endeared many. He carries a clean image - the biggest asset.
Secondly, the ubiquitous caste politics in AP provides a strong base. The power in state is split between two economically and politically strong communities. There are few alternatives today for the voters and Chiru fills the gap well. Also that fact that Loksatta is a disaster (largely due to its Leader's mistakes), middle class are open to accept Chiru as an alternative
Thirdly, Chiru seems to be kind hearted and genuine person. He appears to mean what he says. Tollywood is a mini Andhra. In such industry if Chiru could survive maintaining neutrality for so long - he can make it in politics.
Lastly, Chiru can be seen as symbol of unified Andhra Pradesh. He can counter Telengana sentiment with genuine approach.
But Politics is not movies. Beyond the popularity, any other similarities end.
Polictics is about performance. Chiru will be everything - script writer, Story teller, Director. He will have to perform his own stunts. Thus, the first question is - does Chiru got the story of politics right?
Secondly, Chiru lacks the Charisma of NTR, Polictical acumen of P V Narasimaha Rao or Administrative skills of Chenna Reddy or Vision of Jalagam Vengal Rao. Obviously, Chiru needs right people to fill the gaps except on the Charisma front. How good are the those friends and advisers "pushing" Chiru?
Slowly but surely, if he wants or not, Chiru is building his family empire. Already there is strong perception about nepotism. Power is a big sucker. It will suck everyone in and Chiru would find it difficult to manage them. Being just a good and being right are two different aspects.
The state which is slowly but surely tilting pro-rich, require a leader who got guts, energy, commitment, vision and honesty to serve the poor. People are waiting for someone who can improve the quality of their lives. Today in AP it is fact that Rich are becoming rich and poor are becoming poor.
There is an opportunity - is Chiru ready to grab it and become a real hero or remain a reel hero?
Let's wait and see
Monday, January 29, 2007
Chiranjeevi - Road ahead and options (Part-1)
Chiranjeevi got tremendous acting talent. However, the best of his talents were not extracted on consistent basis during the past decade or so. I think Chiru's last genuine blockbuster is Gangleader. By then he attained iconic status. Since mid 1990's scripts and stories for Chiru's movies have been prepared to reflect his stardom. That proved a constant disaster for the Megastar. His producers might have made money at the box office, but as an actor Chiru is slowly becoming irrelevant in the industry. New stars and talent is coming up to bring the variety to audience. Between his image and stardom, between his talent and ability, Chiru is struggling to produce a blockbuster.
For a great artist like Chiru with immense popularity still options are not out. Only thing is Chiru is struggling to reinvent himself. I think, this is where Chiru is getting ill advice and lacking critical feedback.
Let's look at couple of stars who re-invented themselves when they we wriggling with their career options. NTR in early and mid 70's was in big trouble. He was struggling to produce hits. Most of his movies at that time were either flops or average. Then in 1977 came an opportunity for NTR to reinvent himself with AdiviRamudu. From 1977 till 82 he went on to produce some of the best movies like Justice Chowdary, Yamgola or Vetagadu. He found a new combination in Raghavendra Rao. NTR was re-invented. If he were to act as 'old' NTR, there will be a 'young' NTR to fill the gaps at song sequence or fill the script with flashbacks.
Similar is the case with Big B. After series of flops, Big B re-invented himself to comeback again as Bollywood No.1. Remember here, the scripts are not made for Big B, but Big B is willing to reinvent himself in different roles like Grandpa, old police officer or anything that would bring variety for a good storyline
Today, Chiru's strength - dance is his liability. His action orientation is his liability. The image that you kill 100 people in a shot is not right for his age, experience and talent. It is time to stop the stories that will build his image artificially. Instead Chiranjeevi has to see - if he can fit into the role and story. It is change and Chiru got tremendous talent to adapt.
Is Chiru ready to re-invent?
For a great artist like Chiru with immense popularity still options are not out. Only thing is Chiru is struggling to reinvent himself. I think, this is where Chiru is getting ill advice and lacking critical feedback.
Let's look at couple of stars who re-invented themselves when they we wriggling with their career options. NTR in early and mid 70's was in big trouble. He was struggling to produce hits. Most of his movies at that time were either flops or average. Then in 1977 came an opportunity for NTR to reinvent himself with AdiviRamudu. From 1977 till 82 he went on to produce some of the best movies like Justice Chowdary, Yamgola or Vetagadu. He found a new combination in Raghavendra Rao. NTR was re-invented. If he were to act as 'old' NTR, there will be a 'young' NTR to fill the gaps at song sequence or fill the script with flashbacks.
Similar is the case with Big B. After series of flops, Big B re-invented himself to comeback again as Bollywood No.1. Remember here, the scripts are not made for Big B, but Big B is willing to reinvent himself in different roles like Grandpa, old police officer or anything that would bring variety for a good storyline
Today, Chiru's strength - dance is his liability. His action orientation is his liability. The image that you kill 100 people in a shot is not right for his age, experience and talent. It is time to stop the stories that will build his image artificially. Instead Chiranjeevi has to see - if he can fit into the role and story. It is change and Chiru got tremendous talent to adapt.
Is Chiru ready to re-invent?
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