Naidu Gets A Lifeline. All It Needs Now is To Take A Bit of Risk

Former Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu aggressively pursued the Special Status issue in the previous elections. Other issues like Vote for a Change, Okka Chance, etc. crushed Naidu’s chances. While it is evident that it did not help Naidu win the election, it has crushed BJP in the state.

While the saffron party is trying its best to make a comeback, the Special Status sword will hang around its neck forever. Now, Central Government is ditching Andhra Pradesh once again on the Polavaram issue. Narendra Modi Government is trying to distance itself from the R&R Package of Polavaram Project which is around 30,0000 Crore.

YS Jagan Mohan Reddy Government is not fighting with the Center fearing a backlash in the ongoing cases against the Chief Minister. This is one more political opportunity for the TDP to corner YSR Congress and BJP. Naidu on expected lines is lambasting the State Government but such a tirade will be effective only when he takes on the Modi Government.

Such an approach will pay off politically but will come with its own risks. Naidu has emotionally invested in Polavaram and Amaravati issues during his previous tenures. People have that emotional connect to Polavaram and it can be stirred with such an approach. But will he do it? Only time can tell.