All pro-TDP predictions are saying that the ruling party will win over and above 125 seats in the 175-member Assembly. For the first time in his 4 decades of political career, the Chandrababu Naidu government is facing a contest that is seeing triangular contests in key areas. TDP is relying now sheerly on the strength of a pro-incumbency vote and positive response to its women-centred welfare programmes. No major issue has come up to unnerve and shake the ruling TDP ever since the election campaign began. This is despite aggressive campaigning by Jagan and Pawan.
Analysts say Naidu’s huge political and electoral experience has proved to be a big asset right from the beginning. On their part, Jaganmohan Reddy is giving a tight contest by trying to reignite the welfarist YSR sentiment and sympathy while Pawan Kalyan is attacking both YCP and TDP only threatening to mar their winning chances.
The evolving scenario is thus boosting the confidence of the TDP leaders who now say their party will win not less than 125 seats. In 2014, the TDP won 102 seats and formed the first government after separation of residual Andhra Pradesh. From the development agenda to women’s welfare schemes to inexperience of younger rivals, all factors are being considered favourable to Chandrababu Naidu. Is this mere over confidence of TDP? It all depends on how people’s mood changes in the next few days ahead of April 11 election.
