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Journalism of Courage
Out of power for nine years, his back to the wall and facing a fierce and young contender in Y S Jaganmohan Reddy, TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu made some moves just ahead of the polls that surprised party leaders and cadre alike.
First, Naidu decided to transform his image that he was against welfare schemes. Citing his experience as chief minister for nine years, he still talked of developing the new state of Seemandhra as his first priority but tempered it with assurances to farmers of loan waivers, subsidised power, market intervention fund for farmers, free healthcare for poor and lower income groups, and unemployment allowance to jobless youths.
Thirdly, Naidu’s promise to the 27 per cent strong Kapu community and OBCs in the coastal belt that he would appoint a Kapu deputy CM and OBC deputy CM seems to have paid off. Also, the fact that he warmed up to Modi’s advice — after initial reluctance — to draw on the popularity of actor K Pawan Kalyan, a Kapu, and allow him to campaign on behalf of TDP-BJP, seems to have helped.
In spite of being on the back foot against Jagan’s blitzkrieg, Naidu drove a hard bargain with the BJP in seat sharing. He did not yield to BJP’s demand for more seats to contest in Seemandhra as he was confident of TDP win in those seats. He also insisted on BJP fielding candidates who could strongly counter the YSRCP and not merely rely on Modi’s charm.
“People were demoralised and fed up with corruption. They want development and a transparent government. TDP-BJP is a winning combination. I and Narendra Modi will work together not only to develop Seemandhra and Telangana but also get rid of corruption,” Naidu said at his residence.
