First time it was accident, second time it was luck - but if happens third time - it is a habit. Jagan Mohan Reddy as expected became a hero with resounding victories at Kadapa, Nellore and now across 16 constituencies in the state. These landslide victories have taught a lesson or two for most for his opponents. However, fresh questions have been raised by observers on the very genesis of his success with in the context of the democracy.
Executive, judiciary and legislature are the three pillars of the democracy. During the past 60 years, the key players in this System have made a mockery and the result is, a nation that has been paralyzed by non-performance and corruption scandals. As they have few options, citizens have elected scores of representatives with criminal records and sent them to both Parliament and state legislatures. Of them, until recently - Jagan Mohan Reddy is just one. However, with the game changing victories that knocked out Telugu Desam Party and Congress, fresh questions have been raised.
Some of the leaders in the state questioned the wisdom of the voters who have voted for the YSRCP. Some of the leaders branded the victory an emotional blackmail. Many of the bitter critics called it a doomsday. One high profile leader in the state even called it an accidental voting on account of circumstances. At once this victory moved the gravity from Jagan's corruption issues on which the elections have been fought by his opponents to, questioning citizens fundamental right in democracy - Vote.
Now the question is about who is right and who is wrong?
Jagan has been charged but he is not convicted. Taking the adage, no one is guilty until proven, people who have voted in the elections by and large did not believe what the Government of Andhra Pradesh, Eenadu, Andhra Jyothy, CBI, Congress Party and Chandra Babu Naidu have been claiming.
Within widely corrupted democratic system in India there are few holy cows. Some of the holy cows like Manmohan Singh, perhaps are more damaging to systems than the acknowledged rotten elements. Thus, there is locus standi for any debate based on corruption or honesty. As we have seen, when the time comes - all the forces across the party lines join to pip lokpal bill and in turn work towards damaging the reputation of Anna Hazare and his associates.
The key point is, the three pillars in democracy are expected to work for the poor, vulnerable and needy sections of the society. However, with the widening divide between rich and poor, most of the elected representative forget their constituents soon after getting a ticket to Delhi or Hyderabad. Despite all the allegations, both YS Rajasekhar Reddy and YS Jagan Mohan Reddy made the difference at this level. They have connected with the people. Listened to them. Tried to understand them. At the end, what matters to a voter is - how best they are taken care off. A mere statistic, or a simplified technocratic definition of poverty at Rs 26 per day, or a full meal to eke out a life?
When I visit a temple I do not question chastity of the priest. When I go to school, my focus is on how good my teacher is but not his background. At the end of the day, 99% people want solutions to their problems and opportunities for survival. Who cares if YSR or Jagan are corrupt as long as they take care of their constituents?
Many critics continue to question Jagan and his victory. May refuse to accept it. May come out statistics that his victory is not as convincing as it is seen. But the crux of the matter is Service to the Citizens. All those Congress and TDP leadership have amassed huge wealth and yet they cared little for the people. If they are serious to defeat Jagan, then there is no option but to connect with people and work for their welfare. It is high time if Chandrababu Naidu realize that, Eenadu with all the crap filings is key constituent of his down fall. Equally, Congress should have realized that, more they talk against YSR or Jagan they are exposing themselves.
The bottom line is, citizens are the foundation for the three pillar of the democracy. Despite all the allegation, Jagan's and YSRCP victory is honest in people court and it is in black and white. There is no scope for debate on this verdict.
Showing posts with label Telugu Desam Party. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Telugu Desam Party. Show all posts
Friday, June 15, 2012
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!
Sunday, October 23, 2011
BJP and Telengana
Opposition party like every citizen of the nation have certain responsibilities. Opposition does not mean, taking opposite stand to the Government. Nor it is intended to put the Government in a fix with irresponsible statements. Opposition is for a balancing act in a democracy. For a major (respectable) party like BJP, specifically the recent statements of LK Advani amply display their irresponsibility on a sensitive and increasing difficult issue, Telengana and resolution.
BJP essentially lack an understanding of the Telengana problem and it's complexity. The BJP understands very well the Congress lead Central government is in a soup and that they are struggling to find a solution. This is their best political opportunity to gain mileage. Hence get into the ring and start the game!. But what are the consequences and what will be the wider impact?
BJP may have a track record of creating Jharkhand, Uttarakhand or Chattisgharh. But, the states were created with an amicable understanding of the concerned parties. In case of Telanaga, Vidharbha or Darjeeling there is no such consensus.
Here, we have to understand some of the fundamental differences. When Jharkhand, Uttarakhand or Chattisgharh were created - these states were under developed parts of the larger state entities. Their under development was so obvious that in case of Jharkhand or Chattisgharh - despite having huge natural resources there were no obvious developed. Everyone acknowledged that, bifurcation would bring them an opportunity for a focused development. In all these cases - Bihar, Utter Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh retained their names and also their capitals Patna, Luckow and Bhopal with them. Broadly speaking, the underdeveloped part of the bigger states were carved out. Hence there were no political, social, cultural or economic issues.. All the new states took with them natural resources, lesser population and hope. Overall it was win win situation at the time of bifurcation
History of Andhra Pradesh is starkly different from the above scenario. For hundreds of years, Telugu speaking people were divided and they were treated as second class citizens in erstwhile Nizam and Madras states. It was the wisdom of citizens and political class of that time and, significant sacrifices resulted in Andhra Pradesh state. Until the arrival of NT Ramarao on the political scene in 1983, Telugu speaking people could not even establish their national identity. Since 1956, generations of Telugu children were told Hyderabad is their capital and it was the sacrifices of their earlier generations brought them with a respectable identity. During the course of six decades, the state has witnessed all round integration. It is a fact, though unofficially acknowledged, one of the integration factor is caste. Andhra, Telengana and Rayalaseema - Reddies, Brahmins, Kammas, Velamas and Kapu intermarry with in their caste across the regions.
Now the fundamental difference. Telengana is NOT the least developed region of Andhra Pradesh. Of the 9 districts in the region nearly 4 of them comes under the Hyderabad metro area. Hyderabad itself is the 4th or 5th largest metro in India is part of Telengana. Hundreds of thousands of families migrated to Hyderabad and started new lives. This resulted in cultural, social and economic integration. Each one of these families contributed their own share of brick to develop the state and Hyderabad. This is not akin to Jharkhand, Uttarakhand or Chattisghargh (most of the Biharis or UP people in fact migrated out of the state to the places like Mumbai or Delhi). In such a scenario non-telengana regions should demand a new state. However, it is Telengana region which includes Hyderabad is asking for secession. That is the crux of the problem.
Congress government know very well that there is no simple or acceptable solution. Though it is not yet to the intensity of Punjab (Indira Gandhi) or Tamil (Rajiv Gandhi) in 1990's, Congress high command (Sonia and Rahul Gandhi) knew too well that, any decision on Andhra Pradesh would have serious wider consequences. Congress government also acutely aware that Telengana issue has been given life by Congress high Command and YS Rajasekhar Reddy to check mate, Chandrababu Naidu and his Telugu Desam Party. YS Rajasekhar Reddy, perhaps realised the strategic mistake very well in 2004, when Congress returned to power on it's own. Since then, he endeavoured to control or contain Telengana movement and TRS. Unfortunately, Chandrababu Naidu failed to support YSR for political compulsions.
Now, BJP thinks that it can announce Telengana State with out any problem, issues or consequences and take huge credit. BJP should be aware that. this is as complex a issue as Ayodhya Rama-Mandir (which becomes Advani agenda when ever he was pushed to a corner). Many Indians rank Advani on par with Sardar Patel who is considered Iron Man of India and key figure for integrating the nation. However, Advani's talk - his track record while in Government was below the par. On his role as Opposition leader is - his repeated utterances on -"how weak is Dr Manmohan Singh" speaks of his personal ego and supremacy. Lal Krishna Advani must be aware of his party core agenda and instead concentrate on building Ram Mandir on which - they got into the power and abandoned soon afterwards. May be, Advani and BJP Political opportunism is vote bank in Telengana Region and few seats in the parliament.
However, Adavani and his BJP leadership should be aware of the fact that South of India has been very peaceful since independence. As a responsible leader of a responsible party, Advani and his party should not destroy the peace for cheap political gains. It is a Congress Party problem and let it be resolved by them. Meanwhile you please concentrate on Ram Mandir and deep rooted corruption in your own backyard.
BJP essentially lack an understanding of the Telengana problem and it's complexity. The BJP understands very well the Congress lead Central government is in a soup and that they are struggling to find a solution. This is their best political opportunity to gain mileage. Hence get into the ring and start the game!. But what are the consequences and what will be the wider impact?
BJP may have a track record of creating Jharkhand, Uttarakhand or Chattisgharh. But, the states were created with an amicable understanding of the concerned parties. In case of Telanaga, Vidharbha or Darjeeling there is no such consensus.
Here, we have to understand some of the fundamental differences. When Jharkhand, Uttarakhand or Chattisgharh were created - these states were under developed parts of the larger state entities. Their under development was so obvious that in case of Jharkhand or Chattisgharh - despite having huge natural resources there were no obvious developed. Everyone acknowledged that, bifurcation would bring them an opportunity for a focused development. In all these cases - Bihar, Utter Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh retained their names and also their capitals Patna, Luckow and Bhopal with them. Broadly speaking, the underdeveloped part of the bigger states were carved out. Hence there were no political, social, cultural or economic issues.. All the new states took with them natural resources, lesser population and hope. Overall it was win win situation at the time of bifurcation
History of Andhra Pradesh is starkly different from the above scenario. For hundreds of years, Telugu speaking people were divided and they were treated as second class citizens in erstwhile Nizam and Madras states. It was the wisdom of citizens and political class of that time and, significant sacrifices resulted in Andhra Pradesh state. Until the arrival of NT Ramarao on the political scene in 1983, Telugu speaking people could not even establish their national identity. Since 1956, generations of Telugu children were told Hyderabad is their capital and it was the sacrifices of their earlier generations brought them with a respectable identity. During the course of six decades, the state has witnessed all round integration. It is a fact, though unofficially acknowledged, one of the integration factor is caste. Andhra, Telengana and Rayalaseema - Reddies, Brahmins, Kammas, Velamas and Kapu intermarry with in their caste across the regions.
Now the fundamental difference. Telengana is NOT the least developed region of Andhra Pradesh. Of the 9 districts in the region nearly 4 of them comes under the Hyderabad metro area. Hyderabad itself is the 4th or 5th largest metro in India is part of Telengana. Hundreds of thousands of families migrated to Hyderabad and started new lives. This resulted in cultural, social and economic integration. Each one of these families contributed their own share of brick to develop the state and Hyderabad. This is not akin to Jharkhand, Uttarakhand or Chattisghargh (most of the Biharis or UP people in fact migrated out of the state to the places like Mumbai or Delhi). In such a scenario non-telengana regions should demand a new state. However, it is Telengana region which includes Hyderabad is asking for secession. That is the crux of the problem.
Congress government know very well that there is no simple or acceptable solution. Though it is not yet to the intensity of Punjab (Indira Gandhi) or Tamil (Rajiv Gandhi) in 1990's, Congress high command (Sonia and Rahul Gandhi) knew too well that, any decision on Andhra Pradesh would have serious wider consequences. Congress government also acutely aware that Telengana issue has been given life by Congress high Command and YS Rajasekhar Reddy to check mate, Chandrababu Naidu and his Telugu Desam Party. YS Rajasekhar Reddy, perhaps realised the strategic mistake very well in 2004, when Congress returned to power on it's own. Since then, he endeavoured to control or contain Telengana movement and TRS. Unfortunately, Chandrababu Naidu failed to support YSR for political compulsions.
Now, BJP thinks that it can announce Telengana State with out any problem, issues or consequences and take huge credit. BJP should be aware that. this is as complex a issue as Ayodhya Rama-Mandir (which becomes Advani agenda when ever he was pushed to a corner). Many Indians rank Advani on par with Sardar Patel who is considered Iron Man of India and key figure for integrating the nation. However, Advani's talk - his track record while in Government was below the par. On his role as Opposition leader is - his repeated utterances on -"how weak is Dr Manmohan Singh" speaks of his personal ego and supremacy. Lal Krishna Advani must be aware of his party core agenda and instead concentrate on building Ram Mandir on which - they got into the power and abandoned soon afterwards. May be, Advani and BJP Political opportunism is vote bank in Telengana Region and few seats in the parliament.
However, Adavani and his BJP leadership should be aware of the fact that South of India has been very peaceful since independence. As a responsible leader of a responsible party, Advani and his party should not destroy the peace for cheap political gains. It is a Congress Party problem and let it be resolved by them. Meanwhile you please concentrate on Ram Mandir and deep rooted corruption in your own backyard.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Kadapa and Pulivendula fight to Finish
No single election would have ever decided the future of so many politicians and political parties in Andhra Pradesh state. For winners and losers their future would never be same again - and here comes mother of all political battles, Kadapa and Pulivendula.
Let's start with YS Jaganmohan Reddy (today officially declared the richest politician in India). If he and his mother Vijayalakshmi could not win both the seats - for now Jagan political future is over. For all the firebrand displays, the muscle power and the mobilization of resources - this is the worst outcome. He would be deserted by everyone including his closed and most vocal supporters. Jagan would be attacked at his business foundations and it would be impossible for him to survive the mighty congress and Yellow Media onslaught. The biggest beneficiaries of this outcome: Ramoji Rao (Eenadu) and Vemuri Radha Krishna (Andhra Jyothy) as their media empire can pip Sakshi. For Congress and TDP on the whole it would not be any major impact - since Jagan would be written off as a flash.
If Telugu Desam Party, after all the search light operations to find a "candidate" looses both the seats to YSR Congress - it is the beginning to the end of Telugu Desam Party. Already beaten out off Telangana Region, Chandrababu Naidu could forget his dreams of 2014. Having seen the recent "proxy" revolt from Harikrishna and Nandamuri family (less Balakrishna), the key question would be "who will revive this party and bring it back to the glory days of NTR". Naidu would be a liability than an asset by any measure both for party, sympathisers and Telugu people as well. This is in a way, second best option for the Congress Party (if it comes second in the order). It can join with the Telangana Rasta Samithi (TRS) leader KCR and achieve the common objective of finishing TDP once for all. With Jagan's victory, there will be huge exodus from TDP & Congress. The time would have arrived for emergence of a true Leader with in TDP not a political manipulator like Naidu. In way, it is good for TDP provided - if a leader emerges out of the political chaos. Biggest beneficiaries of this out come: K Chandrasekhar Rao
Going by indications, the likelihood of TDP winning even a single seat is at odds. However, if out of magic - in case TDP could beat YSR Congress and Congress to win one seat, and YSR Congress wins other seat - then Andhra and Rayalaseema politics would be further fragmented. This does not help TDP revival in Telangana. There are no immediate winners or beneficiaries. But the biggest looser will be Kiran Kumar Reddy and D Shrinivas
The worst scenario is Congress winning both the seats. This will push state into further crisis. Already limping with worst administration and absence of political leadership - it would be impossible to stop Congress leaders. In a way, this is end of YSR Congress and Jagan. For TDP, Naidu may play a tone that the party never held any grip in this part of state (only if it comes second above YSR congress). YS Rajasekhara Reddy legacy is now transferred to Congress. And all Congress leaders at Hyderabad and Delhi will make it a point to finish any of YSR credible legacy into history (like it happened with PV Narasimha Rao). Biggest beneficiaries: TDP rebels and TDP Telengana leaders.
As it is generally predicted at this point, if YSR Congress wins both the seats -then without any doubt, both Congress and Telugu Desam Party would plunge into crisis. With no hope of TDP winning 2014, all equations will shift. All the fence sitters in both the parties, would come out in open. Congress high command for the first time since 1983 (after NTR shock victory), would see the biggest threat to its solid power base. And for Congress it will be beginning to end of Government in Delhi. No Congress Government formed in Delhi, without winning Andhra Pradesh. And Congress knows this - and hence it is investing all the time and energy to avoid the debacle. Biggest looser: "Prince" Rahul Gandhi the Prime Minister in waiting.
Without any doubt, Kadapa and Pulivendula elections are fight to finish. Strangely, the out come of the result in either way - would not have any impact on the political fortunes of YS Vivekananda Reddy, DL Ravindra Reddy or other candidates. Everyone knows, they are just pawns in the larger political game.
For one thing, YS Jagan must be admired for his guts to take on two powerful parties.
Let's start with YS Jaganmohan Reddy (today officially declared the richest politician in India). If he and his mother Vijayalakshmi could not win both the seats - for now Jagan political future is over. For all the firebrand displays, the muscle power and the mobilization of resources - this is the worst outcome. He would be deserted by everyone including his closed and most vocal supporters. Jagan would be attacked at his business foundations and it would be impossible for him to survive the mighty congress and Yellow Media onslaught. The biggest beneficiaries of this outcome: Ramoji Rao (Eenadu) and Vemuri Radha Krishna (Andhra Jyothy) as their media empire can pip Sakshi. For Congress and TDP on the whole it would not be any major impact - since Jagan would be written off as a flash.
If Telugu Desam Party, after all the search light operations to find a "candidate" looses both the seats to YSR Congress - it is the beginning to the end of Telugu Desam Party. Already beaten out off Telangana Region, Chandrababu Naidu could forget his dreams of 2014. Having seen the recent "proxy" revolt from Harikrishna and Nandamuri family (less Balakrishna), the key question would be "who will revive this party and bring it back to the glory days of NTR". Naidu would be a liability than an asset by any measure both for party, sympathisers and Telugu people as well. This is in a way, second best option for the Congress Party (if it comes second in the order). It can join with the Telangana Rasta Samithi (TRS) leader KCR and achieve the common objective of finishing TDP once for all. With Jagan's victory, there will be huge exodus from TDP & Congress. The time would have arrived for emergence of a true Leader with in TDP not a political manipulator like Naidu. In way, it is good for TDP provided - if a leader emerges out of the political chaos. Biggest beneficiaries of this out come: K Chandrasekhar Rao
Going by indications, the likelihood of TDP winning even a single seat is at odds. However, if out of magic - in case TDP could beat YSR Congress and Congress to win one seat, and YSR Congress wins other seat - then Andhra and Rayalaseema politics would be further fragmented. This does not help TDP revival in Telangana. There are no immediate winners or beneficiaries. But the biggest looser will be Kiran Kumar Reddy and D Shrinivas
The worst scenario is Congress winning both the seats. This will push state into further crisis. Already limping with worst administration and absence of political leadership - it would be impossible to stop Congress leaders. In a way, this is end of YSR Congress and Jagan. For TDP, Naidu may play a tone that the party never held any grip in this part of state (only if it comes second above YSR congress). YS Rajasekhara Reddy legacy is now transferred to Congress. And all Congress leaders at Hyderabad and Delhi will make it a point to finish any of YSR credible legacy into history (like it happened with PV Narasimha Rao). Biggest beneficiaries: TDP rebels and TDP Telengana leaders.
As it is generally predicted at this point, if YSR Congress wins both the seats -then without any doubt, both Congress and Telugu Desam Party would plunge into crisis. With no hope of TDP winning 2014, all equations will shift. All the fence sitters in both the parties, would come out in open. Congress high command for the first time since 1983 (after NTR shock victory), would see the biggest threat to its solid power base. And for Congress it will be beginning to end of Government in Delhi. No Congress Government formed in Delhi, without winning Andhra Pradesh. And Congress knows this - and hence it is investing all the time and energy to avoid the debacle. Biggest looser: "Prince" Rahul Gandhi the Prime Minister in waiting.
Without any doubt, Kadapa and Pulivendula elections are fight to finish. Strangely, the out come of the result in either way - would not have any impact on the political fortunes of YS Vivekananda Reddy, DL Ravindra Reddy or other candidates. Everyone knows, they are just pawns in the larger political game.
For one thing, YS Jagan must be admired for his guts to take on two powerful parties.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Sunday, February 07, 2010
Forget Telangana state for now
The extreme heat that pushed Andhra Pradesh state into chaos in December is slowly going down. While most of Andhra and Rayalaseema is quiet by and large, the few tremors are seen in Telangana region. The JAC in either regions is loosing support. As everything is seems to be coming to normal, now we seeing K Chandrasekhara Rao re-entry and his comic statements as well.
Congress high command did excellent job. Slowly Government of India moved in the direction of forming a committee to "look and understand the state of affairs in Andhra Pradesh". Justice Srikrishna credibility is a big plus point for the committee even though no terms and references have been given. Nor any time frame has been stipulated.
Now, where we are - I think Telanagana state is still a dream as it was in 1969. Let me explain my thoughts:
1. Justice Srikrishna commission is a simply a fact finding commission. It will restate the fact that there is strong support for Unified Andhra Pradesh in Coastal and Rayalaseema regions and significant support for Telangana in north Telangana and feeble support in and around Hyderabad metro area and south Telangana
2. The report when it comes out, will be nothing but putting all the chaotic feelings in orderly manner
3. Based on the split support, and having seen the voluntary public revolt in Andhra and Rayalaseema regions any decision for Telangana will be met with strong resistance
4. At the same time a status quo will ignite troubles in Telanaga region.
5. The decision on Telangana can be taken only in the Congress party national interest. With lesser Loksabha seats in the Telangana region Congress cannot risk loosing significant number of MPs in Andhra region.
6. Hence as it is done during the last two elections, Telangana will be in Congress agenda for 2014 (or manifesto).
7. If BJP fortunes return for good, then 2014 elections would be a close call. In the case, it AP will be all the more critical for Congress party success.
8. 2014, will see the raise of Telugu Desam party. With this hopeless congress government, I wonder if congress would get the third time lucky. If TDP will return to power is a billion dollar question at this moment, ofcourse.
9. If TDP comes to power in 2014, Chandrababu Naidu will crush the Telangana movement even if BJP regain power. Even otherwise, Babu will not allow bifurcation of the state
10. With so much of stake at Centre and state, Congress will play safe and put the Telangana state in suspended animation.
Like BSE index will see, some bear rallies in coming months and in the end, Telangana will remain a distant dream at least until 2014
Congress high command did excellent job. Slowly Government of India moved in the direction of forming a committee to "look and understand the state of affairs in Andhra Pradesh". Justice Srikrishna credibility is a big plus point for the committee even though no terms and references have been given. Nor any time frame has been stipulated.
Now, where we are - I think Telanagana state is still a dream as it was in 1969. Let me explain my thoughts:
1. Justice Srikrishna commission is a simply a fact finding commission. It will restate the fact that there is strong support for Unified Andhra Pradesh in Coastal and Rayalaseema regions and significant support for Telangana in north Telangana and feeble support in and around Hyderabad metro area and south Telangana
2. The report when it comes out, will be nothing but putting all the chaotic feelings in orderly manner
3. Based on the split support, and having seen the voluntary public revolt in Andhra and Rayalaseema regions any decision for Telangana will be met with strong resistance
4. At the same time a status quo will ignite troubles in Telanaga region.
5. The decision on Telangana can be taken only in the Congress party national interest. With lesser Loksabha seats in the Telangana region Congress cannot risk loosing significant number of MPs in Andhra region.
6. Hence as it is done during the last two elections, Telangana will be in Congress agenda for 2014 (or manifesto).
7. If BJP fortunes return for good, then 2014 elections would be a close call. In the case, it AP will be all the more critical for Congress party success.
8. 2014, will see the raise of Telugu Desam party. With this hopeless congress government, I wonder if congress would get the third time lucky. If TDP will return to power is a billion dollar question at this moment, ofcourse.
9. If TDP comes to power in 2014, Chandrababu Naidu will crush the Telangana movement even if BJP regain power. Even otherwise, Babu will not allow bifurcation of the state
10. With so much of stake at Centre and state, Congress will play safe and put the Telangana state in suspended animation.
Like BSE index will see, some bear rallies in coming months and in the end, Telangana will remain a distant dream at least until 2014
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Oka Charitra Konni nijaalu - Daggubati Venkateswara Rao
It is very cold weekend here and temperatures are hovering just around freezing. On a casual browsing, I found Oka Charitra Konni nijaalu (One history and few facts?) at www.daggubati.in , authored by Daggubati Venkatewara Rao. He is the husband of Purandarewari, daughter of late NT Ramarao.
This a a very interesting reading narrating Venkateswarao's view point of the events that lead to creation, success and distruction of the NT Ramarao's political career. On the other side, the entire story exposes the canny, cunning and often brutal nature of his co-brother, Nara Chandrababu Naidu.
Having lost touch with Telugu books, I found this book flow was very good (perhaps, I was in India during this period and keenly followed some of the developments).
This book in summary is about Power struggle. If we look back in perspective, with relation to today context, some of the events are baffling. For example, deposed from the power, after a political coup enacted by Chandrababu Naidu, at one point - NT Ramarao, having lost all hope, asks his son Nadamuri Balakrishna "if you are my son, kill chandrababu naidu - bring back and show me the knife with Naidu blood". The shocking thing is Balakrishna married his daughter Brahmani to Nara Lokesh, the very Chandrababu Naidu's son whose blood his late father wanted to see!
Second interesting storyline according to the author is - how Chandababu Naidu used both Balakrishna and Harikrishna in the coup plot (and thrown them later like used condoms!). Today, Junior NTR, who is "illegetimte" son of Harikrishna is due to marry Nara Chandrababu Naidu's niece daughter. According to Venkateswara Rao, Chandrababu Naidu held a very low opinion of both these "bright" sons of NTR. OK, Balakrishna marriage took place before the book was published - what about the marriage enagagement that was brokered by Babu last week? I think what Venkateswararao said is true - "in Babu opinion, these are bumb sons of NTR"
The blatant and open references to corruptions practices followed by Chandrababu Naidu are very illustrative. The events in this context clear one point for good. All the allegations that are faced for so long by Chandrababu Naidu about his rags to riches story are clarified. This books shows the anatomy of Chandrababu Naidu's institutionalised corruption in the state. Also, though it might look comic, I was attracted by one point "Babu cannot even write a four word sentence in English" and "forget about his speaking and computer knowledge"
Other interesting aspect is - the book gives ample examples and shows how one can succeed by buying the media. Needless to say, Eenadu was the key for Naidu's success, glory and as well as his fall and struggles. His acts as "Crisis Manager" and using them for his own gain shows the strategic mind of Naidu. And how dumped Renuka Chowdhary when his "Crisis Manager" role backfired for once and then, how he managed shows his survival skills. Ventateswara Rao is also very honest in telling the caste politics in the state and mentions long list of Kamma leaders who queued in front of NT Ramarao. The story of Parvataneni Upendra is good example - to show if you are a Kamma, in Telugu Desam Party one can go from nowhere to anywhere. The sad story is, the same Upendra who did not have any identity before going with NTR later dumped him after reaching top at Delhi.
Well written book, even if Venkateswara Rao told 80% truth it is like any history book - will fore tell what is on the horizon. After all, power can buy anything - blood, caste, trust, faith even sons and daughters (this time no women)!
NT Ramarao, who had given so much of wealth to his children ultimately died an orphan. That is a fact and Rao did not hide this truth.
This a a very interesting reading narrating Venkateswarao's view point of the events that lead to creation, success and distruction of the NT Ramarao's political career. On the other side, the entire story exposes the canny, cunning and often brutal nature of his co-brother, Nara Chandrababu Naidu.
Having lost touch with Telugu books, I found this book flow was very good (perhaps, I was in India during this period and keenly followed some of the developments).
This book in summary is about Power struggle. If we look back in perspective, with relation to today context, some of the events are baffling. For example, deposed from the power, after a political coup enacted by Chandrababu Naidu, at one point - NT Ramarao, having lost all hope, asks his son Nadamuri Balakrishna "if you are my son, kill chandrababu naidu - bring back and show me the knife with Naidu blood". The shocking thing is Balakrishna married his daughter Brahmani to Nara Lokesh, the very Chandrababu Naidu's son whose blood his late father wanted to see!
Second interesting storyline according to the author is - how Chandababu Naidu used both Balakrishna and Harikrishna in the coup plot (and thrown them later like used condoms!). Today, Junior NTR, who is "illegetimte" son of Harikrishna is due to marry Nara Chandrababu Naidu's niece daughter. According to Venkateswara Rao, Chandrababu Naidu held a very low opinion of both these "bright" sons of NTR. OK, Balakrishna marriage took place before the book was published - what about the marriage enagagement that was brokered by Babu last week? I think what Venkateswararao said is true - "in Babu opinion, these are bumb sons of NTR"
The blatant and open references to corruptions practices followed by Chandrababu Naidu are very illustrative. The events in this context clear one point for good. All the allegations that are faced for so long by Chandrababu Naidu about his rags to riches story are clarified. This books shows the anatomy of Chandrababu Naidu's institutionalised corruption in the state. Also, though it might look comic, I was attracted by one point "Babu cannot even write a four word sentence in English" and "forget about his speaking and computer knowledge"
Other interesting aspect is - the book gives ample examples and shows how one can succeed by buying the media. Needless to say, Eenadu was the key for Naidu's success, glory and as well as his fall and struggles. His acts as "Crisis Manager" and using them for his own gain shows the strategic mind of Naidu. And how dumped Renuka Chowdhary when his "Crisis Manager" role backfired for once and then, how he managed shows his survival skills. Ventateswara Rao is also very honest in telling the caste politics in the state and mentions long list of Kamma leaders who queued in front of NT Ramarao. The story of Parvataneni Upendra is good example - to show if you are a Kamma, in Telugu Desam Party one can go from nowhere to anywhere. The sad story is, the same Upendra who did not have any identity before going with NTR later dumped him after reaching top at Delhi.
Well written book, even if Venkateswara Rao told 80% truth it is like any history book - will fore tell what is on the horizon. After all, power can buy anything - blood, caste, trust, faith even sons and daughters (this time no women)!
NT Ramarao, who had given so much of wealth to his children ultimately died an orphan. That is a fact and Rao did not hide this truth.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Is it Reddy's vs Rest for supremacy in Andhra Congress now?
Reddy's have always been the key pillars for the Andhra Pradesh Congress. The list of Reddy CM's since the state formed, is a testimony both for the their supremacy and strength in the state Congress Party. With the sudden demise of the strongest "Christian" Reddy - Dr YSR, initially everybody thought that his son YS Jaganmohan Reddy would be made the next CM. As the days passed two things are getting clear.
First Konijeti Rosaiah an Arya Vysa with little political ground on his own is now asserting himself in the Chief Minister position.
Secondly, anit-Jagan forces are consolidating their position, again with the blessing of the Delhi high command. If we look closely look at these anti-forces, it is getting clear that all these have one common factor. They are all non Reddi's. And predominantly from non-forward communities. Though the game play of Kamma's the only other dominant political force in the state is not clear publicly, it must be assumed with all certainty they are not in favour of Jagan. The reason perhaps, YS Rajasekhara Reddy cut them to size both in and out side the Congress party.
With the belligerent stand and intensifying gap between Jagan and the Delhi high command - it now appears that Reddy's are loosing the grip at Delhi (and at Sonia's Darbar) in favour of BC leaders like KK, VH and DS. If this trend continues - future for Congress in State would be challenging.
Already the affairs in the Congress are best opportunity for Telugu Desam Party to improve their position. And, if Jagan is not going to get what he has been aspiring since his father's death, enough ground is getting prepared for a revolt or split in the Congress Party. After all, community is more thicker than the party and it is not difficult to know where the strong Reddy community will head.
Congress will be left out with KK, VH and DS gang - who are not assured about their own victory. And in the end, options for Delhi would be limited - and without Andhra, having another Congress Government in Delhi is almost impossible.
First Konijeti Rosaiah an Arya Vysa with little political ground on his own is now asserting himself in the Chief Minister position.
Secondly, anit-Jagan forces are consolidating their position, again with the blessing of the Delhi high command. If we look closely look at these anti-forces, it is getting clear that all these have one common factor. They are all non Reddi's. And predominantly from non-forward communities. Though the game play of Kamma's the only other dominant political force in the state is not clear publicly, it must be assumed with all certainty they are not in favour of Jagan. The reason perhaps, YS Rajasekhara Reddy cut them to size both in and out side the Congress party.
With the belligerent stand and intensifying gap between Jagan and the Delhi high command - it now appears that Reddy's are loosing the grip at Delhi (and at Sonia's Darbar) in favour of BC leaders like KK, VH and DS. If this trend continues - future for Congress in State would be challenging.
Already the affairs in the Congress are best opportunity for Telugu Desam Party to improve their position. And, if Jagan is not going to get what he has been aspiring since his father's death, enough ground is getting prepared for a revolt or split in the Congress Party. After all, community is more thicker than the party and it is not difficult to know where the strong Reddy community will head.
Congress will be left out with KK, VH and DS gang - who are not assured about their own victory. And in the end, options for Delhi would be limited - and without Andhra, having another Congress Government in Delhi is almost impossible.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Jr NTR Troubles and His Future
NTR Jr, or Jr NTR as he is popularly known, is now seen as a hot cake by various political parties. Jr NTR is perhaps one of the best public speakers in the Andhra Pradesh Politics today and definitely the top public speaker from TDP. But, he is now getting into teething troubles. Unless he makes some smart decisions, NTR Jr is likely to end up as an outcast both at Tollywood and in the politics.
NTR Jr is illegitimate son of Nandamuri Harikrishna, one of the son's of NT Ramarao. Little is known about the NTR Jr mother. From the reports, it is certain that she is a Brahmin while Nadamuri's are Kamma. Hence, it is essentially an inter caste relationship. Harikrishna had at least two sons through his first wife and again not much information is available about his first wife as well.
Until NTR Jr became one of the top heroes in Tollywood, the word goes that - neither he nor his mother got any respect from Nandamuri families. Even after becoming a top hero with substantial mass following, reports keep coming up that NTR Jr was not truly seen as a member of Nandamuri clan.
At the time, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) was struggling to get crowds for the road shows and meetings, Nara Chandrababu Naidu first brought Nandamuri Balakrishna, whose daughter has been married to Naidu's son Lokesh. But, Balakrishna proved to be disaster in the public domain and became a comic character.
As options were running out - Naidu had no option but to pull NTR Jr for TDP campaign. Not surprisingly - NTR Jr, who resembles in physic, actions and dialogues his grandfather NTR Sr, became a star campaigner for TDP by huge crowd pulling. His campaign stopped mid way due to accident. Unfortunately, TDP's worst results of 2009 Andhra Pradesh elections have came from the regions where NTR Jr campaigned.
Elections are over and TDP was badly beaten. Yet, NTR Jr is the discovery of the elections for TDP. Now NTR Jr is in trouble - and probably under pressure as well, to choose between Film career and Politics. Political parties like Congress know NTR Jr family circumstances and they are trying to woo him into Congress fold. Babu knows the value of NTR Jr, as no one else in the party got the crowd pulling capability like this young hero.
NTR Jr is very young in mid 20's. He is too young to get into politics when his film career is looking bright. Now that he will come under considerable pressure, any decision would have significant impact on his future.
First, NTR Jr is like Karna in Mahabharata with in TDP. He got strengths, power and ability - yet, he will never be a king. Nandamuri's will not allow him to be the one to lead. Babu wanted to use NTR Jr for his political gains but - naturally wants his son Lokesh Naidu to be the next king. Having married his daughter to Lokesh Naidu, Nandamuri Balakrishna - would like hi son-in-law Lokesh than NTR Jr. Coming to Harikrishna, NTR Jr is neither his first son nor his favourite. Also, the fact the both wives cannot get along, it is the elder wife that would call shots.
Second, NTR Jr cannot leave TDP and join Congress. At this tender age, if he takes a decision (or mistake) to join Congress, his Tollywood future is closed. Nandamuri's are like first family of Tollywood - their community and friends hold the iron grip in the industry. Hence, it is very easy to put NTR Jr in loop line and close his career. Jr NTR cannot risk his career at this age.
Third, NTR Jr goes towards Congress, he cannot sustain by his image alone. Though he might get considerable respect than with in the TDP, his political future would not be bright either.
Fourth, if NTR Jr is keen to play a political role, he needs a mentor. This cannot be Babu, Balayya or Harikrishna for obvious reasons. In congress, Purandareswari - may be a good choice but it would be a difficult choise for either.
So, what is the best option? NTR Jr best option is to keep focus on Film career and build his own image. Now that people have seen his value, NTR Jr may have to wait for a political opportunity to become a natural choice. This will known only when, Lokesh Naidu's is understood in the public domain.
Any other decision, even under extensive pressure would be fatal for NTR Jr future.
NTR Jr is illegitimate son of Nandamuri Harikrishna, one of the son's of NT Ramarao. Little is known about the NTR Jr mother. From the reports, it is certain that she is a Brahmin while Nadamuri's are Kamma. Hence, it is essentially an inter caste relationship. Harikrishna had at least two sons through his first wife and again not much information is available about his first wife as well.
Until NTR Jr became one of the top heroes in Tollywood, the word goes that - neither he nor his mother got any respect from Nandamuri families. Even after becoming a top hero with substantial mass following, reports keep coming up that NTR Jr was not truly seen as a member of Nandamuri clan.
At the time, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) was struggling to get crowds for the road shows and meetings, Nara Chandrababu Naidu first brought Nandamuri Balakrishna, whose daughter has been married to Naidu's son Lokesh. But, Balakrishna proved to be disaster in the public domain and became a comic character.
As options were running out - Naidu had no option but to pull NTR Jr for TDP campaign. Not surprisingly - NTR Jr, who resembles in physic, actions and dialogues his grandfather NTR Sr, became a star campaigner for TDP by huge crowd pulling. His campaign stopped mid way due to accident. Unfortunately, TDP's worst results of 2009 Andhra Pradesh elections have came from the regions where NTR Jr campaigned.
Elections are over and TDP was badly beaten. Yet, NTR Jr is the discovery of the elections for TDP. Now NTR Jr is in trouble - and probably under pressure as well, to choose between Film career and Politics. Political parties like Congress know NTR Jr family circumstances and they are trying to woo him into Congress fold. Babu knows the value of NTR Jr, as no one else in the party got the crowd pulling capability like this young hero.
NTR Jr is very young in mid 20's. He is too young to get into politics when his film career is looking bright. Now that he will come under considerable pressure, any decision would have significant impact on his future.
First, NTR Jr is like Karna in Mahabharata with in TDP. He got strengths, power and ability - yet, he will never be a king. Nandamuri's will not allow him to be the one to lead. Babu wanted to use NTR Jr for his political gains but - naturally wants his son Lokesh Naidu to be the next king. Having married his daughter to Lokesh Naidu, Nandamuri Balakrishna - would like hi son-in-law Lokesh than NTR Jr. Coming to Harikrishna, NTR Jr is neither his first son nor his favourite. Also, the fact the both wives cannot get along, it is the elder wife that would call shots.
Second, NTR Jr cannot leave TDP and join Congress. At this tender age, if he takes a decision (or mistake) to join Congress, his Tollywood future is closed. Nandamuri's are like first family of Tollywood - their community and friends hold the iron grip in the industry. Hence, it is very easy to put NTR Jr in loop line and close his career. Jr NTR cannot risk his career at this age.
Third, NTR Jr goes towards Congress, he cannot sustain by his image alone. Though he might get considerable respect than with in the TDP, his political future would not be bright either.
Fourth, if NTR Jr is keen to play a political role, he needs a mentor. This cannot be Babu, Balayya or Harikrishna for obvious reasons. In congress, Purandareswari - may be a good choice but it would be a difficult choise for either.
So, what is the best option? NTR Jr best option is to keep focus on Film career and build his own image. Now that people have seen his value, NTR Jr may have to wait for a political opportunity to become a natural choice. This will known only when, Lokesh Naidu's is understood in the public domain.
Any other decision, even under extensive pressure would be fatal for NTR Jr future.
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 23, 2009
Telugu Desam Party - And It's Long Term Decay Part-I
Telugu Desam Party (TDP) is a great political party of significant consequence in the history of Andhra Pradesh. Started in 1983 by legendary Tollywood hero NT Rama Rao, it changed the political landscape of the state by bringing political alternatives to the voters and giving a genuine recognition to the Telugu community all over the world. Needless, to say - Telugu People along with Kannadigas, Malayalees were all madrasis until then. Apart from bringing an identity and self respect to Telugus, TDP was also responsible for bringing good governance and accountability for the political class that was disappearing by early 1980's.
This blog is going to discuss in two parts, why Telugu Desam Party is loosing it's political relevance and expediting it's long term decay by getting away from the core ideologies on which the party was founded.
TDP, when it was found fundamentally worked on the four or five broad political principles. First, identity and respect of the Telugu speaking people, second - working towards upliftment of the poor, downtrodden classes and farmers, third - giving alternative and respectable political choice to politicians and clean administration to the citizens and finally social welfare. I think, the founder of the party during his turbulent years in the office largely succeeded on all the aspects and became a popular leader in his life time for the services.
History of TDP is split into two halfs. While the first half was run on the founder ideologies, the second half slowly and clealy moved away from the founder ideologies and taken a reformist view.
During the first half of the TDP rule - Rs 2/Kg rice schemes, mid day meals, promoting the Telugu language and Telugu identity, banning the cheap liquor that was ruining the lives of the poor and working classes, reforming and maintaining Hindu Temples (specially Tirupathi Temple), bestowing political life to many unknown political entities and raising their stakes significantly, working towards bringing political alliances to counter Congress government of the day, making Hyderabad free from the periodic communal violence, bringing clean and sleek administration are by all means are historic and significant contributions of the party to the state.
The second half of the TDP rule was under the stewardship of the NT Rama Rao's son-in-law, Nara Chandrababu Naidu - who deposed the founder from the power in bloodless coup. CBN, Babu or Naidu as he is called, initially taken a view that he took over the power - just to save the party as it was under severe "threat". However, as he established himself - CBN moved away from the political ideologies of the party and became reformist Chief Minister and was branded as the best chief Minister of any state of the times with a great vision.
CBN best contribution to the state was - Hyderabad became a Technology capital and true alternative choice to Bangalore. He brought e-Governance and ensured that Technology is widely used with the government from statistics to demo's. CBN became darling for the reformists as AP became perhaps the first state in India to bring reforms in Power and Electricity. Government attracted huge investments and Naidu was able to pitch the state at Davos and World bank for investments and funds. Naidu also started some of the pet projects like Janmabhoomi and the success of those schemes was mixed. During Naidu rule, the real estate in the state reached pinncacle and made many neo-rich.
During the course of 9 year rule, Babu clearly moved away from the territories where NT Rama Rao made foundations for the party. By 2004, when N Chandra Babu Naidu was badly defeated by Congress in the state elections, he remained a darling of Technology community while he moved away from farmers, working class, state government employees who formed the biggest and influential vote bank for the party. By aligning with BJP, Naidu also lost the faith of the minority communities who were actually very favourable to TDP, as it protected their interests.
If we see the history of TDP from 1983 till 2004, the party essentially lost it's core ideologies in preference to immediate political opportunities. In 2004, when TDP lost the power - it essentially ended with identity crisis both in state and national politics. At the national level, where CBN played a powerful kingmaker in 1998-2001 period lost all his friends - by going first with third front, then with BJP, then again going back to Third front and then aiming to form a fourth front. All in all, TDP under the leadership of CBN proved to be fickle and in the course of time left out as an orphan and small regional party of no significance.
At the state level, 2004 defeat was an excellent opportunity to for TDP to reinvent itself. But - unfortunately, TDP failed to do any self introspection nor identified the fit falls in the political ideologies. Instead, it started the Opposition role with significantly reduced numbers with two fundamental mistakes.
First, it concluded that the YS Rajasekhar Reddy got the power by accident. Second, from the day one - it assumes I am good boy and Congress - you are a bad boy. What TDP failed to realise was Congress got back to power by grabbing or hijacking the very core social welfare ideologies of the Telugu Desam Party. For example, YSR promised - free power to farmers and Naidu went on questioning the state finances and the will of the Government. But YSR proved during the five years that he could deliver what he had promised. On second issue, it was a blend of ignorance and arrogance that made Babu to portray with the help of Eenadu and Andhra Jyothy that, I am good and Congress is bad. What Babu failed to understand even after five years was, Congress may be Bad, but he was not Good as he was trying to idealise himself.
.......................More in Part - II
This blog is going to discuss in two parts, why Telugu Desam Party is loosing it's political relevance and expediting it's long term decay by getting away from the core ideologies on which the party was founded.
TDP, when it was found fundamentally worked on the four or five broad political principles. First, identity and respect of the Telugu speaking people, second - working towards upliftment of the poor, downtrodden classes and farmers, third - giving alternative and respectable political choice to politicians and clean administration to the citizens and finally social welfare. I think, the founder of the party during his turbulent years in the office largely succeeded on all the aspects and became a popular leader in his life time for the services.
History of TDP is split into two halfs. While the first half was run on the founder ideologies, the second half slowly and clealy moved away from the founder ideologies and taken a reformist view.
During the first half of the TDP rule - Rs 2/Kg rice schemes, mid day meals, promoting the Telugu language and Telugu identity, banning the cheap liquor that was ruining the lives of the poor and working classes, reforming and maintaining Hindu Temples (specially Tirupathi Temple), bestowing political life to many unknown political entities and raising their stakes significantly, working towards bringing political alliances to counter Congress government of the day, making Hyderabad free from the periodic communal violence, bringing clean and sleek administration are by all means are historic and significant contributions of the party to the state.
The second half of the TDP rule was under the stewardship of the NT Rama Rao's son-in-law, Nara Chandrababu Naidu - who deposed the founder from the power in bloodless coup. CBN, Babu or Naidu as he is called, initially taken a view that he took over the power - just to save the party as it was under severe "threat". However, as he established himself - CBN moved away from the political ideologies of the party and became reformist Chief Minister and was branded as the best chief Minister of any state of the times with a great vision.
CBN best contribution to the state was - Hyderabad became a Technology capital and true alternative choice to Bangalore. He brought e-Governance and ensured that Technology is widely used with the government from statistics to demo's. CBN became darling for the reformists as AP became perhaps the first state in India to bring reforms in Power and Electricity. Government attracted huge investments and Naidu was able to pitch the state at Davos and World bank for investments and funds. Naidu also started some of the pet projects like Janmabhoomi and the success of those schemes was mixed. During Naidu rule, the real estate in the state reached pinncacle and made many neo-rich.
During the course of 9 year rule, Babu clearly moved away from the territories where NT Rama Rao made foundations for the party. By 2004, when N Chandra Babu Naidu was badly defeated by Congress in the state elections, he remained a darling of Technology community while he moved away from farmers, working class, state government employees who formed the biggest and influential vote bank for the party. By aligning with BJP, Naidu also lost the faith of the minority communities who were actually very favourable to TDP, as it protected their interests.
If we see the history of TDP from 1983 till 2004, the party essentially lost it's core ideologies in preference to immediate political opportunities. In 2004, when TDP lost the power - it essentially ended with identity crisis both in state and national politics. At the national level, where CBN played a powerful kingmaker in 1998-2001 period lost all his friends - by going first with third front, then with BJP, then again going back to Third front and then aiming to form a fourth front. All in all, TDP under the leadership of CBN proved to be fickle and in the course of time left out as an orphan and small regional party of no significance.
At the state level, 2004 defeat was an excellent opportunity to for TDP to reinvent itself. But - unfortunately, TDP failed to do any self introspection nor identified the fit falls in the political ideologies. Instead, it started the Opposition role with significantly reduced numbers with two fundamental mistakes.
First, it concluded that the YS Rajasekhar Reddy got the power by accident. Second, from the day one - it assumes I am good boy and Congress - you are a bad boy. What TDP failed to realise was Congress got back to power by grabbing or hijacking the very core social welfare ideologies of the Telugu Desam Party. For example, YSR promised - free power to farmers and Naidu went on questioning the state finances and the will of the Government. But YSR proved during the five years that he could deliver what he had promised. On second issue, it was a blend of ignorance and arrogance that made Babu to portray with the help of Eenadu and Andhra Jyothy that, I am good and Congress is bad. What Babu failed to understand even after five years was, Congress may be Bad, but he was not Good as he was trying to idealise himself.
.......................More in Part - II
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.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
AP Election 2009 ::: Prospects For Telugu Desam Party
Telugu Desam Party (TDP) is out of power for the past 5 years. And now, it is making desperate efforts to regain the power. Today's TDP is completely a different party to what it was when it lost the power in 2004. Many leaders have left the party - disillusioned with Chandrababu Naidu's poor listening skills and often citing his autocratic style of functioning. At the same the Chandrababu Naidu (CBN), in the past one year tried his best to regain the lost glory, power base to get the party on track with some credibility to face the do-or-die battle.
Of all the parties in race for power, this election is decisive for the TDP and CBN future. If TDP were to loose this election first, the political future of CBN is ceased. This is known to Babu very well than anyone else. Yet, as of today - the destiny looks like a formidable task, primarily because Congress is very strong under the leadership of Dr Y S Rajasekhar Reddy. Despite all the issues, allegations and scams, YSR is looking pretty cool and composed with host of leaders ready to face the election battle with vengeance to crush TDP.
TDP is neither high Tech nor pro-reform party anymore. Today it is projecting as a pro-poor, pro-farmer party. This is a big somersault. Once considered the best functioning "role model" Chief Minister in India with a strong vision, today CBN is looking like a man in panic mode desperate to defeat the Congress and YSR in specific. His vision is faltered. Once considered a strong political force, for United Andhra Pradesh, today TDP joined forces with a political maverick K Chandrasekhara Rao (KCR)- who was CBN's bitter political enemy until very recently. For the sake of political power, today CBN says "I am in favour of Telengana". If this is the case, why CBN let KCR to go from TDP to form TRS Party in first place? Then, why did he let Davender Goud to leave the party on this specific matter? I see more panic and opportunitic political move than a vision in TDP and CBN decision.
Today TDP is adopting two broad strategies that would neither help TDP with votes nor a victory. First, vision of late N T Rama Rao. By bringing Nadamuri Balakrishna and NTR Jr, with the sole ambition of reminding voters, the NTR vision is not of any help in the current environment. Everyone who lived as voter in the past 25 years knew that CBN ditched the very vision of NTR while he was in power in the name of reforms. Second point is a broadbased attack on YS Rajasekhar Reddy government. Everyone knows, that Chandra Babu Naidu is not an honest politician as he is trying to project himself with the help of Eenadu or Andhra Jyothy. Anyone looking at his life would wonder how he amassed gigantic wealth like YSR since he entered politics. Also, it is pertinent to note here, the sustained and periodic attacks for many years via media made voters to ignore all these allegations - " after all it is too boring to listen or read the same story".
What TDP would offer if it were to win elections? Free TV's, monthly cheques, ATM cards and many more. Is that all? May be divide the Andhra Pradesh State? Can it promise that state would be corruption free? Can it promise, unlike YSR it would not make nepotism a central issue? Not at all, with all Nandamuri's around - today TDP is a more a family show than anything? OK, can CBN promise that he would not groom his son Lokesh Naidu as the future leader unlike YSR, who is trying his best to promote Jaganmohan Reddy? Can CBN promise that he would not support all those businessmen and Realtors from his community like YSR did for Indu, Brahmani?
With the arrival of Chiranjeevi it is now a three way caste battle - and in each battle to be won, we need trust and trusted lieutenants. Unfortunately for TDP, Chandra Babu Naidu neither trust anyone and nor anyone trust Chandra Babu Naidu. Again, unlike YSR all trusted lieutenants of CBN are from his extended family - yet it is questionable, how far Balakrishna, NTR Jr, Harikrishna or Tarak Ratna would be with CBN.
Except for everyday rosy headlines in Eeenadu and Andhra Jyothy, nothing looks promising for TDP in the coming elections and Andhra voters are neither dumb nor blind.
Of all the parties in race for power, this election is decisive for the TDP and CBN future. If TDP were to loose this election first, the political future of CBN is ceased. This is known to Babu very well than anyone else. Yet, as of today - the destiny looks like a formidable task, primarily because Congress is very strong under the leadership of Dr Y S Rajasekhar Reddy. Despite all the issues, allegations and scams, YSR is looking pretty cool and composed with host of leaders ready to face the election battle with vengeance to crush TDP.
TDP is neither high Tech nor pro-reform party anymore. Today it is projecting as a pro-poor, pro-farmer party. This is a big somersault. Once considered the best functioning "role model" Chief Minister in India with a strong vision, today CBN is looking like a man in panic mode desperate to defeat the Congress and YSR in specific. His vision is faltered. Once considered a strong political force, for United Andhra Pradesh, today TDP joined forces with a political maverick K Chandrasekhara Rao (KCR)- who was CBN's bitter political enemy until very recently. For the sake of political power, today CBN says "I am in favour of Telengana". If this is the case, why CBN let KCR to go from TDP to form TRS Party in first place? Then, why did he let Davender Goud to leave the party on this specific matter? I see more panic and opportunitic political move than a vision in TDP and CBN decision.
Today TDP is adopting two broad strategies that would neither help TDP with votes nor a victory. First, vision of late N T Rama Rao. By bringing Nadamuri Balakrishna and NTR Jr, with the sole ambition of reminding voters, the NTR vision is not of any help in the current environment. Everyone who lived as voter in the past 25 years knew that CBN ditched the very vision of NTR while he was in power in the name of reforms. Second point is a broadbased attack on YS Rajasekhar Reddy government. Everyone knows, that Chandra Babu Naidu is not an honest politician as he is trying to project himself with the help of Eenadu or Andhra Jyothy. Anyone looking at his life would wonder how he amassed gigantic wealth like YSR since he entered politics. Also, it is pertinent to note here, the sustained and periodic attacks for many years via media made voters to ignore all these allegations - " after all it is too boring to listen or read the same story".
What TDP would offer if it were to win elections? Free TV's, monthly cheques, ATM cards and many more. Is that all? May be divide the Andhra Pradesh State? Can it promise that state would be corruption free? Can it promise, unlike YSR it would not make nepotism a central issue? Not at all, with all Nandamuri's around - today TDP is a more a family show than anything? OK, can CBN promise that he would not groom his son Lokesh Naidu as the future leader unlike YSR, who is trying his best to promote Jaganmohan Reddy? Can CBN promise that he would not support all those businessmen and Realtors from his community like YSR did for Indu, Brahmani?
With the arrival of Chiranjeevi it is now a three way caste battle - and in each battle to be won, we need trust and trusted lieutenants. Unfortunately for TDP, Chandra Babu Naidu neither trust anyone and nor anyone trust Chandra Babu Naidu. Again, unlike YSR all trusted lieutenants of CBN are from his extended family - yet it is questionable, how far Balakrishna, NTR Jr, Harikrishna or Tarak Ratna would be with CBN.
Except for everyday rosy headlines in Eeenadu and Andhra Jyothy, nothing looks promising for TDP in the coming elections and Andhra voters are neither dumb nor blind.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Last Chapter of N T Rama Rao life - and His Legacy
Today many politicians in Andhra Pradesh are bringing up the name of Nandamuri Taraka RamaRao (NTR) and claim that they are here today to carry on NTR legacy. To understand his legacy - it is important to understand the last chapter of NTR life and understand why none have moral right to take his name.
What is the background?
NT Rama Rao was the undisputed king of the Telugu Industry. He retired from the silver screen around 1982 when he launched his Telugu Desam Party. Though he acted in couple of movies in later years - fact is, since his retirement until today - no one could replace his iconic position and he remains as the only legend of the Tollywood.
What about his family?
NT RamaRao married to Basava Rama Tarakam and both had around 11 children (see Wikipedia for details). NT Rama Rao by his nature and due to his personality was never emotionally close to anyone of his children. As a matter of fact, but for the name of their father, none of NTR children could build any kind of individual credibility and reputation on their own - during NTR life time.
Personal Loss
Basava Rama Tarakam died soon after NTR became the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. This could have been big emotional crisis for NTR at that age but, he could over come with his hectic national and state politics. At the same time, the emotional bond between the father and all his children started widening.
First Political Setback
Despite the landslide mandate, NTR suffered politically partly due to his own mistakes (or lack of political skills) and on account of the cunning political games played by his own people at the behest of Congress. Initially he had a huge set back when his own man Nadendla Bhaskara Rao "stabbed" and dispositioned him as CM. NTR with the wave of support from the people of Andhra Pradesh, came back to power quickly. But, this major political incident proved that - he could be vulnerable at anytime as NTR never tried to learn.
Problematic Political Style
NTR used to behave funny, cranky at times, based on some poor advise, fear or his own thinking. He donned Vivekanda get-up, telling people of the state that he became a Sanyasi. It was a general belief at that time that - NTR used to take instant decisions without understanding the political consequences. While some of those instant decisions made him Robin Hood with masses, he soon started loosing his credibility with educated class as he appeared more like a comic cartoon.
Emotional problems
Of all his sons only Balakrishna appreared promising and started building glamour and image on his own. At one point, duing his public meeting - NTR went on record saying his son Nadamuri Balakrishna would the next leader of the party and that he would carry his legacy.
What went wrong?
Two of NTR sons-in-law, Nara Chandra Babu Naidu and Daggubati Venkatestwara Rao were active in TDP. Chandra Babu Naidu, a back room operator, was in Congress when TDP was launched. He contested elections on Congress ticket but lost. Soon after that he joined TDP. Naidu was considered, hardworking, shrewed and a capable person. Soon after NTR made a public statement, NTR was "forced" to change the tone. It was believed - both the Sons-in-Law by then politically powerful, influenced NTR. Thus, though NTR wanted Balakrishna to carry on his politically legacy, it did not materisalise.
Electoral Defeat
NTR lost the third elections he faced in mid 1990's. Due to his emotional exhuberance, lack of political strategy, poor listening skills and straighforwardness - by now NTR is getting isolated. Due to this, the vaccumm created by his departed wife was becoming visible. None of his sons and daughters dared or attempted to move closer to him. NTR is becoming a lonely man
Second Marriage
At that time, Lakshmi Siva Parvathi - a married women with a teenage child became closer to NTR. This was extraodinory situation for, who knew NTR - but, NTR was no different to any septugenarian windower. They wanted emotional support. Lakshmi Parvathi filled that vaccumm. True to his nature of making instant decisions - NTR decided to marry Laksmi Parvathi. None of his family supported this decision. First she was married, secondly she does belong to their community and thirdly her reputation was questionable.
Return to Power
While the crisis on his personal life was running high, NTR returned to power with a landslide again. As promised he introduced prohibition with in seconds of assuming power. This is perhaps the most populist scheme of NTR after his trademark Rs 2 / Kg rice scheme.
Emerging Crisis
Lakshmi Parvati never remained a housewife. She started her own power centre and became a centre media attention. This was sharp contrast to NTR's first wife, who perhaps was never seen in public let alone speaking. Both these acts, started creating fractures in the party. Chandra Babu Naidu started seeing an emerging power struggle, as NTR's health was detoriating though, he was on the top of the decision making process. But the problem for Babu was, Lakshmi Parvathi started influencing - NTR more and more.
Political Stabbing
In the name of saving party Naidu with the help of NTR's family disposed NTR in a bloodless coup. Depsite all his efforts, NTR was completly isolated because everyone started blaming Lakshmi Parvati and Rama Rao not keen to discard her. He was ousted from the very party that was build from his own blood and sweat. Ramarao could not survive long enough to take a revange on the conspirators. NTR died a lonely man
What is Brand NTR in politics?
NTR was the most popular leader in the Andhra Pradesh history till todate. It is perhaps difficult to think of some one coming even closer to charisma. He introduced most durable trademark populist schemes like mid day meal, rice schemes, prohibition and many more during his tubulant leadership years.
What happened after NTR?
Though Naidu said his coup was to save the party, his true colours emerged slowly. He kicked out all those relatives, including NTR sons from the party. He ensured that his control on the party is complete. Unlike NTR, he proved very sophisticated and ensured all the media for his propaganda (for example Eenadu created a brand Naidu). He also ditched all the NTR populist schemes that are his true legacy. He ruled the state for 9 years with iron grip and bitten dust in 2004 when his Hi-Tech pitch did not go well with average voter in the state
What about NTR family?
NTR sons went into isolation. Harikrishna now one of the popular TDP voice was shown door out of the cabinet and party by Naidu but he went onto launch a party on his own again picking the name of his dead father. Balakrishna never played any role and remained nonchalant. He continued with his film career with limited success. NTR's other Son in Law went over to Congress. His wife, Purandareswari became a respectable Minister in Manmohan Singh government.
Who is legitimate to carry NTR Legacy?
Today, NTR is simply iconified for mean political gains chiefly by Telugu Desam Party. In his 9 years rule, Naidu ensured that all his legacy is buried. Harikrishna one of the NTR son who played a key role in ousting his father and made him to die early, today joined Naidu for saving his brother-in-law from another politcal disaster than to do anything with his father legacy. Balakrishna who now got extended relationship due to his daughter marriage with Naidu's son, is making an entry to TDP to defeat the seamingly powerful Reddy community (and Dr YS Rajasekhar Redddy) because of whom their own Kamma community is suffering all around and are getting marginalised in the past 5 years. Purandareswari is perhaps the most credible child of NTR but she is with Congress.
To honest NTR legacy is dead long back. Naidu and NTR's sons are simply trying to fool Andhra Pradesh electorate in the name of NTR who will never pardon anyone even sitting in heaven.
Like in Silver Screen no one can take NTR position and carry his legacy. After all we are living in different world
What is the background?
NT Rama Rao was the undisputed king of the Telugu Industry. He retired from the silver screen around 1982 when he launched his Telugu Desam Party. Though he acted in couple of movies in later years - fact is, since his retirement until today - no one could replace his iconic position and he remains as the only legend of the Tollywood.
What about his family?
NT RamaRao married to Basava Rama Tarakam and both had around 11 children (see Wikipedia for details). NT Rama Rao by his nature and due to his personality was never emotionally close to anyone of his children. As a matter of fact, but for the name of their father, none of NTR children could build any kind of individual credibility and reputation on their own - during NTR life time.
Personal Loss
Basava Rama Tarakam died soon after NTR became the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. This could have been big emotional crisis for NTR at that age but, he could over come with his hectic national and state politics. At the same time, the emotional bond between the father and all his children started widening.
First Political Setback
Despite the landslide mandate, NTR suffered politically partly due to his own mistakes (or lack of political skills) and on account of the cunning political games played by his own people at the behest of Congress. Initially he had a huge set back when his own man Nadendla Bhaskara Rao "stabbed" and dispositioned him as CM. NTR with the wave of support from the people of Andhra Pradesh, came back to power quickly. But, this major political incident proved that - he could be vulnerable at anytime as NTR never tried to learn.
Problematic Political Style
NTR used to behave funny, cranky at times, based on some poor advise, fear or his own thinking. He donned Vivekanda get-up, telling people of the state that he became a Sanyasi. It was a general belief at that time that - NTR used to take instant decisions without understanding the political consequences. While some of those instant decisions made him Robin Hood with masses, he soon started loosing his credibility with educated class as he appeared more like a comic cartoon.
Emotional problems
Of all his sons only Balakrishna appreared promising and started building glamour and image on his own. At one point, duing his public meeting - NTR went on record saying his son Nadamuri Balakrishna would the next leader of the party and that he would carry his legacy.
What went wrong?
Two of NTR sons-in-law, Nara Chandra Babu Naidu and Daggubati Venkatestwara Rao were active in TDP. Chandra Babu Naidu, a back room operator, was in Congress when TDP was launched. He contested elections on Congress ticket but lost. Soon after that he joined TDP. Naidu was considered, hardworking, shrewed and a capable person. Soon after NTR made a public statement, NTR was "forced" to change the tone. It was believed - both the Sons-in-Law by then politically powerful, influenced NTR. Thus, though NTR wanted Balakrishna to carry on his politically legacy, it did not materisalise.
Electoral Defeat
NTR lost the third elections he faced in mid 1990's. Due to his emotional exhuberance, lack of political strategy, poor listening skills and straighforwardness - by now NTR is getting isolated. Due to this, the vaccumm created by his departed wife was becoming visible. None of his sons and daughters dared or attempted to move closer to him. NTR is becoming a lonely man
Second Marriage
At that time, Lakshmi Siva Parvathi - a married women with a teenage child became closer to NTR. This was extraodinory situation for, who knew NTR - but, NTR was no different to any septugenarian windower. They wanted emotional support. Lakshmi Parvathi filled that vaccumm. True to his nature of making instant decisions - NTR decided to marry Laksmi Parvathi. None of his family supported this decision. First she was married, secondly she does belong to their community and thirdly her reputation was questionable.
Return to Power
While the crisis on his personal life was running high, NTR returned to power with a landslide again. As promised he introduced prohibition with in seconds of assuming power. This is perhaps the most populist scheme of NTR after his trademark Rs 2 / Kg rice scheme.
Emerging Crisis
Lakshmi Parvati never remained a housewife. She started her own power centre and became a centre media attention. This was sharp contrast to NTR's first wife, who perhaps was never seen in public let alone speaking. Both these acts, started creating fractures in the party. Chandra Babu Naidu started seeing an emerging power struggle, as NTR's health was detoriating though, he was on the top of the decision making process. But the problem for Babu was, Lakshmi Parvathi started influencing - NTR more and more.
Political Stabbing
In the name of saving party Naidu with the help of NTR's family disposed NTR in a bloodless coup. Depsite all his efforts, NTR was completly isolated because everyone started blaming Lakshmi Parvati and Rama Rao not keen to discard her. He was ousted from the very party that was build from his own blood and sweat. Ramarao could not survive long enough to take a revange on the conspirators. NTR died a lonely man
What is Brand NTR in politics?
NTR was the most popular leader in the Andhra Pradesh history till todate. It is perhaps difficult to think of some one coming even closer to charisma. He introduced most durable trademark populist schemes like mid day meal, rice schemes, prohibition and many more during his tubulant leadership years.
What happened after NTR?
Though Naidu said his coup was to save the party, his true colours emerged slowly. He kicked out all those relatives, including NTR sons from the party. He ensured that his control on the party is complete. Unlike NTR, he proved very sophisticated and ensured all the media for his propaganda (for example Eenadu created a brand Naidu). He also ditched all the NTR populist schemes that are his true legacy. He ruled the state for 9 years with iron grip and bitten dust in 2004 when his Hi-Tech pitch did not go well with average voter in the state
What about NTR family?
NTR sons went into isolation. Harikrishna now one of the popular TDP voice was shown door out of the cabinet and party by Naidu but he went onto launch a party on his own again picking the name of his dead father. Balakrishna never played any role and remained nonchalant. He continued with his film career with limited success. NTR's other Son in Law went over to Congress. His wife, Purandareswari became a respectable Minister in Manmohan Singh government.
Who is legitimate to carry NTR Legacy?
Today, NTR is simply iconified for mean political gains chiefly by Telugu Desam Party. In his 9 years rule, Naidu ensured that all his legacy is buried. Harikrishna one of the NTR son who played a key role in ousting his father and made him to die early, today joined Naidu for saving his brother-in-law from another politcal disaster than to do anything with his father legacy. Balakrishna who now got extended relationship due to his daughter marriage with Naidu's son, is making an entry to TDP to defeat the seamingly powerful Reddy community (and Dr YS Rajasekhar Redddy) because of whom their own Kamma community is suffering all around and are getting marginalised in the past 5 years. Purandareswari is perhaps the most credible child of NTR but she is with Congress.
To honest NTR legacy is dead long back. Naidu and NTR's sons are simply trying to fool Andhra Pradesh electorate in the name of NTR who will never pardon anyone even sitting in heaven.
Like in Silver Screen no one can take NTR position and carry his legacy. After all we are living in different world
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