AP Colation committing mistakes and not enjoying the unprecedented power.The saying "if you bring good milk and put it in front of cat, the cat will not be able to drink it" is being used as a metaphor to describe the current political situation in Andhra Pradesh (AP), especially the ruling coalition led by the Telugu Desam Party (TDP). The TDP, which once garnered three-fourths of the seats and over 45% of the vote share during NTR’s era—thanks in part to his star power—achieved a historic victory in the 2024 elections, securing more than 95% of the seats. The coalition, including Jana Sena, amassed over 55% of the vote share, marking an unprecedented success.
In this election, the TDP contested 144 seats and won 135 of them, a triumph unmatched in its history. Jana Sena, led by Pawan Kalyan, a steadfast ally of Chandrababu Naidu, won 21 seats. Pawan Kalyan's loyalty, coupled with Naidu's strategic support to the BJP at the national level, has created a favorable political climate, with no significant pushback from the BJP. Naidu, now in his fourth term, is seen ruling with more freedom than in his previous three terms.
Despite this massive mandate, just four months into the TDP-led government’s rule, concerns are beginning to arise. People are questioning why, with such a significant majority, the government is embroiled in controversies rather than focusing on smooth governance. The lack of effective opposition—given that YS Jagan Mohan Reddy’s YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) was reduced to only 11 seats—has also contributed to this unusual scenario. Jagan, who spends much of his time in Bengaluru, has been criticized for not maintaining a strong presence in AP. His leadership has been marred by allegations of missteps during his tenure, which led to a public backlash and, ultimately, his defeat.
The TDP-Jana Sena alliance, on the other hand, is facing internal disputes that have led to debates about their governance strategies. People are questioning why the coalition, which has such a clear path to success, is engaging in unnecessary conflicts. Critics argue that if Naidu and Pawan Kalyan practice restraint and focus on fulfilling their promises—such as securing funds from the Center and implementing welfare schemes—the coalition could maintain its stronghold in AP. Instead, shortcuts and controversies are clouding the image of Babu's leadership.
While the YSRCP government under Jagan had controversial ministers, the TDP-Jana Sena alliance does not seem to have the same issues, yet internal strife is affecting its reputation. However, many believe that if Chandrababu and Pawan Kalyan exercise caution and focus on stability, these challenges can be overcome.
The situation in AP remains fluid, with the alliance’s next moves likely determining its long-term success.