YS Jagan, has sworn in as chief minister of Andhra Pradesh after getting landslide victory in 2019 assembly elections. Navaratna’s, the list of promises he made during campaign, his year long padayatra and huge anti-wave on TDP government led by CBN, played key role in bringing Jagan into power. People acknowledged Jagan’s prolonged war with CBN on various issues. But Jagan has gigantic challenges ahead and his success as CM of Andhra Pradesh depends on not repeating some of the grave mistakes committed by CBN. These 3Cs – Caste-ism, Corruption, dealing with Center are some of such mistakes committed by CBN.
Caste-ism:
One of the primary reason for CBN losing this election is caste-ism. Even though it is possible for an analyst to prove with numbers that CBN has encouraged other castes as well, the general perception among people is that CBN’s coterie is full of the people belonging to his community and this single community is prospering in TDP ruling all these 5 years. There were several instances in last 5 years when people openly burst at government for encouraging their own caste. Be it during Nandi awards, be it during MoUs signed by AP government with entrepreneurs – social media as well as some mainstream media openly fumed at such casteism. In one of the TV debates, MAHAA news senior editor I. Venkat Rao openly quoted (despite himself belonging to the same community) that, “there is more anti-kamma than anti-TDP among people of AP”.
Now Jagan needs to ensure that he doesn’t repeat similar mistake. In this era of social media it is not possible to suppress the voice nor it is to hide the facts. During late YSR’s regime itself there was lot of anti-campaign on him giving more prominence to his own community. After forming the party, YSRCP sent two people to Rajya sabha and both are from Reddy community and that gave rise to some criticism earlier. So, Jagan needs to be extra cautious to avoid giving such impression to the people. People are watching very keenly on how will be the cabinet of Jagan. People may spare with corruption at least, but if political parties rub the shoulders of people at wrong side on caste related matters, that will have serious consequences and CBN is the latest example for that
Corruption:
Another factor that led to CBN’s epic fall is corruption. Stories on the corruption by Janmabhoomi committees have become a common phenomenon. Supposed comments of TDP MLAs that, they have amassed at least 25 crores per constituency were debated among political circles and common people alike. Supposed corruption in Polavaram project, capital of the state, sand mafia etc all caused lot of resentment among the common people.
Jagan needs to handle corruption with utmost care as corruption allegations have been Achilles heel for Jagan during his entire political career. Now Jagan’s “Grama Volunteers” scheme looks much similar to Janmabhoomi committees of CBN. If not monitored carefully, the corruption by such committees at grass-root level will cause lot of damage to the party.
Center:
Another main reason for CBN’s colossal failure is his flip-flops regarding the issues pertaining to Centre. CBN’s statements on Special category status put the word U-turn to shame. Not only that, but in order to appease the Delhi bigwigs, he supported center during his initial days of ruling in 2014. Later, when it was understood that BJP is not going to give anything to this state, he could neither support them nor immediately rebel. In the final year, Operation Garuda proposed by an actor supporting TDP became a laughing stock. Overall, the way CBN dealt the issues pertaining to center was clumsy.
Now Jagan seems to be having cordial relations with Center. However, as BJP has no stakes at AP, they may take any drastic decision in relation to AP at any point of time. So, Jagan taking pro-center stand may prove costly at later point of time. Jagan needs to remember that and play his cards very carefully.
Overall:
As Jagan has just started, it would be appropriate to give him at least a few months of time before judging his governance. However, in the state like AP, where people are more conscious of politics, a leader needs to be doubly cautious to retain his position. We will have to wait and see if Jagan completely avoids mistakes of CBN or he will also repeat some or all of them.
-ZURAN (@CriticZuran)