The resignation of Vangaveeti Radhakrishna from the YSR Congress has not only shaken the politics of Vijayawada but is expected to have an impact elsewhere in the coastal districts that still have a significant number of Ranga followers.
The first question is why did Radha resign from YSR Congress? The opposition party was quick to dismiss it as Naidu’s tricky politics. The YSR congress leaders also lamented that Radha fell prey to the machinations of Chandrababu Naidu. But, the sources within the party tell a different story. Radha claims Jagan has insulted him. YS Jagan has shifted Vangaveeti Radha from Vijayawada central to Vijayawada East Assembly constituency much to the discomfiture of this young leader. In fact, Yalamanchali Ravi, was made in-charge of YSR Congress Vijayawada East on the suggestion of Radha only. Thus, Vangaveeti Radha could not reconcile to this change. Party insiders tell that the personality of YS Jagan and V Radha do not match making their unity near impossible. Thus , the ego clash between two leaders is cited as the reason for Radha’s exit.
Meanwhile, YSR congress sources also accuse Radha of unilateral functioning within the party to which is obviously unpalatable to a leader like YS Jagan.
Then the second question is why did Radha indicate that he may join TDP. In fact, Radha is yet to make any formal announcement to this effect. However, his utterances in the press conference clearly indicate a shift towards TDP. Estranged from YSR Congress, Radha has few options left for his political career. He cannot join the Congress whose revival is impossible at least for 2019 . The Jana Sena has not shown any inclination to attract Radha and the latter too has not evinced much interest to join Pawan Kalyan. Sources close to Radha opine that there will be similar ego clash if Radha joins Jana Sena too. Meanwhile, Radha’s camp is also unsure of electoral chances for the Jana Sena party. Pawan Kalyan has already announced that he would have an alliance with the left parties. The CPI(M) will claim the Vijayawada central as it contested from this constituency in the past. Thus, Radha has no option except embracing the TDP.
But, why did he delay the announcement of his entry into TDP. The supporters of Radha and his electorate are certainly uncomfortable at the news that their leader will join the TDP . It is widely believed and even Radha has earlier alleged that the TDP is responsible for the murder of his father Vangaveeti Ranga . The Kamma- Kapu conflict has thrown up Ranga as the leader and Radha still inherits that legacy. Thus, the TDP owned by the Kamma an unnatural ally of Radha given the social base he represents. Thus, Radha is now busy managing this dissent. Radha in a surprise development clarified that his earlier criticism on TDP was wrong. Not the party, but few leaders are responsible for the death of my father, Radha maintained much to the annoyance of many of followers of Ranga, especially those who are critical of TDP . He has also appealed for house sites for poor in Vijayawada and probably the government of Chandrababu Naidu would accept this demand paving the way for the entry of Vangaveeti Radha into TDP.
The other question why is Chandra Babu Naidu so keen on inducting Radha into TDP fold despite no dearth of leaders within his party?
This is part of a serious effort t by Chandrababu Naidu to retain the crucial Kapu vote in 2019 polls. The Kapus are traditionally anti TDP. They have first time voted in large number to TDP when NT Rama Rao floated the party. In 2014 , several factors helped TDP to get Kapu vote which remains decisive in as many as 30 seats especially in its strongholds in two Godavari districts.
The bifurcation of state against the wishes of people of Seemandhra region made Congress totally unpopular . Kapus who traditionally voted largely for Congress were in disarray. The abortive Praja rajyam experiment has also annoyed them . Meanwhile, the post bifurcation narrative and Pawan Kalyan’s support helped TDP to rally Kapu vote to a great extent in 2014 playing a defining role in 2014 mandate. Besides, several promises along with quota for Kapus also contributed to this shift. But, Naidu is seriously worried over the erosion of Kapu vote especially after Pawan Kalyan became his foe.
He is now an mission to retain Kapu vote. This is the reason he is promising five percent reservations for kapus within 10 percent quota for Economically Weaker Sections. Sending friendly overtures to Pawan Kalyan in the recent past is also part of this political plan. Now, invitation to Radha fits into this electoral strategy of TDP for 2019.
( Prof.K. Nageshwar is India’s noted political analyst. He is a former member of the Telangana Legislative Council and professor in the Department of Communication & Journalism, Osmania University, Hyderabad, India )
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