Paromita Das
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 17June. Naidu’s return to power is noteworthy, considering the challenging political landscape he has navigated over the years. He has justification to be delighted after being marginalized in state and national politics for numerous years. Never rule out a politician is a simple lesson in politics. Naidu’s comeback as Chief Minister, as well as the resurgence of his Telugu Desam Party, the second largest group in the current NDA government, represent a shift in power dynamics. It was a dazzling affair, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and key BJP leaders, including NDA Chief Ministers, watching the 74-year-old politician take oath. This incident is critical for Naidu, his party, and Indian politics since it could have far-reaching consequences in Andhra Pradesh.
A Resilient Political Journey
Naidu’s political journey has been characterized by resilience and strategic maneuvering. After being sidelined in both state and national politics for several years, his recent victory signifies a dramatic turnaround. The veteran politician, known for his administrative acumen and developmental vision, managed to reclaim his position in Andhra Pradesh’s political arena through a combination of perseverance and tactical alliances.
A year ago, Jagan Mohan Reddy, Naidu’s predecessor, was anticipated to return. He appeared to be at ease with a divided opposition, with Pawan Kalyan not supporting the TDP and the BJP debating whether to re-admit the TDP to the NDA coalition. Naidu was charged with corruption, and TDP members were demoralised. However, Reddy botched Naidu’s arrest. Aside from anti-incumbency, the caste coalition of Pawan Kalyan’s Janasena, the BJP, and the TDP was effective. Jagan’s disregard of infrastructure and agriculture had a devastating impact on the population. Naidu’s political career began as a junior minister in 1978. There have been numerous highs and lows, but Naidu has never given up. He vowed that the 2024 election would be his final one, and he has been grooming his son Lokesh as his successor for several years. Initially, Naidu stayed in the shadow of his father-in-law, Telugu Desam chairman N.T. Rama Rao, but he quickly established himself as important. He witnessed national politics up close during the National Front and United Front regimes, earning great expertise and perspectives.
His party was part of the governments of V.P. Singh, Deve Gowda, I.K. Gujral, and Vajpayee. And Naidu was the kingmaker back then. While he has been in and out of government, his party’s involvement in the Modi administration is particularly noteworthy. Naidu will put on his development cap and resume his position as state Leader. In the past, he had met with IT titans such as Bill Gates, brought investment opportunities to Hyderabad, transformed it into Cyberabad, received infrastructure money from agencies such as the World Bank, and generally promoted the city. However, he did not concentrate on developing other sections of the state. In his fourth term, he should take advantage of the opportunity to restore Andhra Pradesh’s prominence.
The Road to Victory: Vision for Andhra Pradesh
The path to Naidu’s fourth term as Chief Minister was not without obstacles. After losing power in 2004, he faced a series of political setbacks, including a split in the state with the formation of Telangana in 2014. Despite these challenges, Naidu focused on rebuilding his party, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), and re-establishing his relevance in the evolving political landscape.
As Chief Minister, Naidu’s first objective is to gain additional finances for Andhra Pradesh, which is an important step towards the state’s development. His agenda for Andhra Pradesh’s growth includes resurrecting long-stalled irrigation projects like the Polavaram project to help the state’s agricultural economy. With his party’s support, Naidu is committed to maximize the state’s resources and promote development rather than seeking funding from international institutions such as the World Bank. This comprehensive strategy to growth would benefit the state.
The second critical responsibility is to complete his dream project of establishing the state capital in Amaravati. His predecessor, Jagan Mohan Reddy, halted this grandiose project over his two tenure. Now that Naidu is back in charge, he intends to complete Amaravati. His strategy involves using his good offices at the Centre to get funds for the capital and many new projects, and he is convinced that with the right resources and support, Amaravati would become a symbol of Andhra Pradesh’s prosperity and development, instilling hope in the state’s future. He must also raise money for his six welfare projects.
Third, the state is in terrible financial straits, with a total debt of approximately Rs 14 lakh crore, including Rs 12 lakh crore borrowed from various sources and Rs 1.5 lakh crore in outstanding bills. The financial crunch is a significant challenge. Throughout his four decades in politics, Naidu has proven himself a survivor. He was much ahead of his time throughout his first and second mandates. He was forward-thinking, technologically savvy, and a showman.
Strategic Alliances and Campaigns
Naidu’s success can be attributed to his ability to forge strategic alliances and run effective campaigns. His alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and other regional parties played a crucial role in his electoral success. Moreover, his emphasis on development projects, infrastructure improvements, and technology-driven governance resonated with the electorate, especially the youth and urban populations.
Challenges Ahead
While Naidu’s return to power is a moment of triumph, it also comes with significant challenges. He faces the task of addressing the state’s economic issues, managing political dynamics, and ensuring inclusive development. Additionally, he will need to navigate the complexities of coalition politics and maintain stability within his administration.
Conclusion
Nara Chandrababu Naidu’s fourth term as Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh marks a remarkable comeback in his political career. His ability to overcome years of political sidelining and reclaim leadership speaks to his resilience and strategic prowess. As he embarks on this new chapter, the people of Andhra Pradesh will be watching closely to see how he delivers on his promises and navigates the challenges ahead.
Now he must find resources to keep his manifesto commitments. The mood is great, and Naidu enjoys the status of kingmaker. He faces no opposition in the Assembly, with the YSRCP reduced to only 11 seats. The BJP is dealing with a delicate issue: the promise of Muslim reservation. The TDP should think hard about how to address this situation. Above all, Naidu must guarantee that no MLA is persuaded to leave, and that the coalition is maintained. The excellent connection with Modi will remain for one year, after which demands will be made.
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