An op-ed by Dr Sambaiah Gundimeda, Associate Professor of Politics, SIAS, Krea University, was published in The Hindustan Times on 7 June, 2024.
Titled The Naidu vs Jagan potboiler in Andhra, the article delves into the factors behind the significant defeat of the ruling YSR Congress Party and the resounding triumph of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), comprising the Telugu Desam Party, Jana Sena Party, and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
In the piece, Dr Gundimeda argues that the YSRCP’s overwhelming focus on welfare programs, coupled with its neglect of election promises made in 2019 and a politics centred around retribution, were pivotal in its electoral downfall. The governance failures of the YSRCP have paved the way for the emergence of the TDP as a potent alternative political entity in the state.
Furthermore, the alliance between the TDP and the BJP, along with the influence of Pawan Kalyan and the pledge of ‘super six’ welfare initiatives, played significant roles in securing the landslide victory for the NDA.
You can also access the full article here
