(S.Ravi Seshu)
Srikrishna janmaastami witnessed a mega publicity campaign by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N.Chandrababu Naidu and his media pal Vemuri Radha Krishna in a marathon live show, title: Big Debate, in ABN-Andhra Jyothi on Thursday evening.
Standing in front of big screens displaying data, NCB explained that he has access to big data related to rainfall, temperature, groundwater level, status of streetlights, etc through technology. He randomly picked up some phone numbers and spoke to beneficiaries. ABN-AJ team also made some of the beneficiaries to speak to the CM. RK, on his part, made room for the CM to explain things in detail. It was a perfect coordination between govt and TV channel.
NCB as well as RK grilled Vizag Collector Praveen Kumar about power failure to a streetlight! As two residents of a colony came on live to argue that there is no light, the IAS had to gave a long explanation. RK then asked his reporter to crosscheck the veracity of the Collector’s claim in the live show. RK told another complainant that “CM garu will send you a message to your phone on this (his complaint).”
Praising CM for the use of technology, RK said: “General feeling is that you are racing forward and you are way ahead of your officials. There was a talk (when you ruled erstwhile AP) that there was baaraana publicity for chaaraana work. But now it got reversed.” It gave enough chance to the CM to explain how he is working hard for the over all development of the new state. RK also said that the CM is blessed with openness and patience abundantly.
To a question on as to how he would deal with caste related allegations, CM said that his opponents are making vain bids to malign him on the basis of caste, region and religion. “Trying to malign my reputation on the basis of caste, religion and corruption is their ignorance.”
Asked his opinion on the Opposition leader YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, CM said: “Chenna Reddy and YS Rajasekhar Reddy acted systematically. Sometimes I feel sad with the way he (Jagan) makes allegations. He is not a systematic person (paddathileni vyakti).”
NCB also claimed that he carries the same amount of attention and energy from morning to evening as his sole aim is to remain in history as a people’s servant.
The programme looked like a political stunt but as it went on it sounded like an attempt to bring technology to the doorsteps of people notwithstanding RK’s unconcealed attempt to build positive image to CM.
