Naidu’s ‘last elections’ comment leave TDP in shock

Marthi Subrahmanyam
Vijayawada

Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief and former chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu’s comments in Kurnool district that the ensuing elections will be the last elections for him if he is not voted to power have sent wrong signals to the TDP cadre and leaders.Naidu said, “If I am voted to power I will continue, if you don’t it will be the last elections for me,” while addressing a mammoth public meeting in the Prattikonda constituency in Kurnool district.

Chandrababu Naidu was the chief minister of combined AP for nine years and five years for the residuary AP state. He was also the leader of the Opposition three times. Naidu’s ‘last elections’ comments embarrassed the senior leaders.Naidu has earned a reputation for infusing confidence among cadre and facing the ruling party courageously. Naidu’s ‘last elections’ comments have even shocked the senior leaders.

Senior leaders say that the comments made by Naidu indicate the fear of defeat in the ensuing elections. Naidu’s comments are such that he is fearing Jagan Mohan Reddy who is junior to him not only in age but also politically.The TDP leaders said that Naidu took eight hours to reach Kurnool from Pattikonda due to heavy crowds along the way to greet him. At a time the TDP is getting an overwhelming response from the people, Naidu’s comments bewildered the senior leaders. “Initially, Naidu spoke aggressively but his sudden comments that it would be the last elections if defeated demoralised the cadre. Had Naidu not made the comment, his Kurnool visit would have rejuvenated the cadre,” a senior leader felt.

Naidu has seen many election victories and debacles but he never spoke in a desperate manner, a TDP leader commented. Some political analysts opined that Naidu’s comments have sent  signals that he would not be able to win the elections.

Naidu’s omments have come as a weapon to the ruling YSRCP, TDP leaders admitted, stating that there is no need to be surprised if the psychological attack on TDP is started.
The leaders also agreed that his comments have morally demoralised them to some extent.

“No one should have doubts about Naidu’s health and everyone knows that he is fitter than all young leaders in the party,” a TDP leader said. In a factional district like Kurnool, a ‘mass masala’ speech is needed to be made. But making comments like ‘my last election’ is causing concern to the senior leaders and cadre, the TDP leader opined. 

TDP leaders recalled that Naidu pledge to enter the Assembly as Chief Minister if he wants to continue in politics to do justice to the state.The TDP leader also reminded that the YSRCP social media is working strongly and that they could use such comments as a weapon.