Chandrababu’s Seniority Of Little Use In Politics

Kommineni Srinivasa Rao

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is unable to come to terms with the comparison made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with his Telangana counterpart K Chandrashekar Rao. This is evident in the fact that Chandrababu has been holding back to back meeting every other day to condemn the PM's statements.

During the no-confidence motion debate, PM Modi said that Telangana CM KCR had moved on from the bifurcation woes and put his state in the path of progress. On the other hand, the AP CM is on a complaint mode only to cover his mistakes. While TDP-BJP had been on good terms when they were allies, both the parties resorted to mudslinging after the former pulled out of the BJP. On the other hand, TRS which has no links with the saffron party has been neutral, offering support to BJP whenever required. Besides, PM Modi's Praise for KCR has not gone down well with Chandrababu. In the recent days, the AP CM's name has been synonymous with lies, betrayal and u-turns. For four year, Chandrababu has praised BJP but now accusing the Centre of not doing enough for the state. There is no match for the scale of publicity mechanisms that Chandrababu adopts on a daily basis with his public meetings. He is also known to irritate his partymen with telecons during which he also provides leaks to yellow media. This sums up his traits. While some of them might get him political mileage, a few others could backfire and put him in the soup. Yet, Chandrababu chooses to march ahead on the same path.

Chandrababu fled Hyderabad after he was caught in note for vote case while lying to the people that he was driven away to Vijaywada. He is seeking the fulfillment of every other bifurcation promise except the division of High court.

On the other hand, KCR doesn't seem to lie as much as Chandrababu does. Occasionally he might dodge questions on pressing issues. Unlike Chandrababu, he's not media-savvy. On the rare occasion that he holds a press conference he leaves no stone unturned to express his views. He doesn't seem to be keen on holding long telecons with officials, providing leaks to the media or holding public meetings. But that doesn't mean he abstains from publicity.

He has a certain principal and strategy in dealing with bifurcation issues or taking jibe at the Centre. It's commendable that despite not being an ally of the BJP, KCR has managed to win the heart of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. KCR always gives due credit to the schemes funded by the Centre. On the other hand, Chandrababu steals credit for Centrally sponsored schemes as his own. Despite the fact that Chandrababu was caught in the notes for votes case, KCR failed to act against him. This could either be because of some fear or a case of compromise. The only criticism against the Telangana chief minister include—his absence at State Secretariat, restricting himself to Pragathi Bhavan and not giving an appointment to people's representatives. Both the leaders have encouraged defection. While KCR isn't known to bring in leaders from the opposition parties by spending huge money, Chandrababu is notorious for purchasing MLAs and MPs for crores for rupees. Chandrababu is known to take people on a ride by promising them the moon with respect to Amaravati. However, KCR prefers to let his work do the talking. So, Prime Minister's comments on Chandrababu that his behaviour did not match his experience in politics seems to carry weight given the way he functions.

Also Read: Chandrababu’s Land Acquisition Act Undemocratic: CPM