Contrary to popular assumptions, the real threat to the Congress this time is not the grand alliance but the Praja Rajyam Party (PRP). The latter’s vote share is what will finally decide the winner. In the three coastal districts of Krishna, Guntur and Prakasam, of the 48 assembly constituencies the Congress had won 40 in 2004; whereas the TDP had managed to win only four. Independents won two and the CPI and CPI (M) one each. Back then, the Congress had grabbed most of these seats, with a margin exceeding 15% of the total vote share. After reorganisation, there are 45 assembly constituencies in these three districts. The PRP’s entry has profoundly altered power equations – to the extent that both the Congress and the TDP fear that if their candidates lose, it will in large measure be because of the PRP. Says M. Koteswara Rao, a student from Guntur: “The PRP has been drawing huge turnouts at public meetings, and will play a crucial role in deciding the winners in most of the constituncies.”
Chandrababu had been luring voters with “cash transfer” pledges and colour television sets for poor households. A once strong opponent of a separate Telangana, he has now done a complete volte face; he now supports its statehood!
Chiranjeevi’s younger brother, son and nephew are well known Tollywood heroes. All three inherited his fans, as though they were family property! The grapevine also has it that the PRP has sold tickets worth crores of rupees. In the last elections all the alliance partners – the TRS, the CPI and the CPI (M) – benefited, along with the Congress. All were exploiting the anti-incumbency factor. But now the three have aligned with the TDP to dethrone the Congress. This is the first time since its formation that Andhra Pradesh has three major political parties clamouring for the electoral pie.
-Nageswara Rao Thamanam
http://www.thesundayindian.com/26042009/storyd.asp?sid=6990&pageno=3
