How the tables were turned in Andhra Pradesh

Why has the YSRCP been decimated?

Jagan seemed to have lost focus on governance issues in trying to implement his nine welfare schemes, dubbed Navaratnalu (nine gems), which he had promised during his padyatra ahead of the 2019 polls.

In doing so, the CM seems to have overlooked the demands of the large majority of the population, who sought employment, civic infrastructure and development. In its five years in power, the YSRCP government failed to draw any big investments or initiate new projects in the state.

What worked for the NDA?

Jagan preferring welfare scheme implementation over governance resulted in massive dissent against local elected representatives of the YSRCP, which was seemingly exploited by the alliance. Naidu and Kalyan addressed dozens of public meetings while assuring people that they would tackle unemployment and the lack of industrial development. Naidu went to the extent of telling people that he wanted welfare plus development for the state.

The alliance also seems to have bridged the Kamma-Kapu divide and consolidate votes of the traditional rivals in its favour.

What other factors dented the YSRCP?

The non-existence of a capital, 10 years after the state was bifurcated, seems to have played on the minds of the voters.

In a bid to take the credit away from Naidu, who in 2014 had announced Amaravati as truncated Andhra Pradesh’s capital, Jagan floated the three-capital theory but failed to make headway in implementing the proposal.

The attitude of the volunteers, who were recruited by the YSRCP government to ensure doorstep delivery of the state government’s welfare schemes, was another factor at play with several complaints of high-handedness against them. Some volunteers allegedly threatened people of losing benefits if they did not swear allegiance to the YSRCP.

Did beneficiaries not vote for Jagan?

Several reports emerged of beneficiaries receiving lesser benefits than they were entitled to and a few others being left out completely. Also a section of the voters who had chosen Jagan in 2019 out of sympathy seem to have ditched him this time.

The underlying sentiment that a majority of the state’s funds were being spent to dole out cash benefits also seems to have worked against Jagan, who had several times in rallies said his government had rolled out Rs 3.5 lakh crore for DBT. The eligible beneficiaries who did not get the benefits were left wondering where the money had gone.

What is the road ahead for the TDP and Andhra?

Naidu’s immediate tasks would include taking stock of the state’s fiscal situation and initiating appropriate measures to bring it back on track. He also needs to ensure funds for the schemes – “Babu Super Six” – which he has promised in the manifesto.

The rebuilding of the capital in Amaravati will also be one of the priorities of the TDP-led government.