‘Silent revolution’ voted out ‘corrupt’ Naidu, but Cong not vindictive, says Reddy

“I accept the people’s verdict with humility. I am not pained and am fully satisfied with my nine year performance. I will delve into the reasons why people have turned against the TDP and accordingly bring about changes in the party’s policy. In the House, we will act as a responsible Opposition.”

These were the comments of caretaker CM N. Chandrababu Naidu after the results of the Assembly election trickled in, establishing an unassailable lead for the Congress. At a crowded press conference, Naidu, who appeared distraught, parried questions on what actually went wrong and why his calculations of victory had misfired. “I do not know if people voted against the TDP because they merely wanted a change or whether there was any other strong reason,” he said. He would not say if it was a vote against reforms. “Reforms are taking place all over the world. There was appreciation for the reforms we have initiated. Anyway, we will analyse the reasons soon,” he said.

He was evasive on the question of the TDP joining the government at the Centre if the NDA comes back to power. “We will discuss it in the party’s politburo and take a decision,” he said. Naidu’s residence, always buzzing with activity, was unusually quiet but for the hustle and bustle of the electronic and print media. Naidu refused comment on the Lok Sabha results.