Did CM Chandrababu Naidu predict that he might have to clash with a bigger alliance of his enemies? Has Naidu stepped up his welfare agenda to the next level well in advance to counter this challenge? Undoubtedly, Naidu was seen giving greater priority to welfare though in a silent way. This was quite unusual for him who is known for his development initiatives. If Naidu remained the same leader prior to 2004, the present election would have been the toughest one for him to crack.
It was no easy task. CM Chandrasekhara Rao and PM Modi threw their whole weight behind Jaganmohan Reddy to defeat TDP more than making Jagan the chief minister of AP. TDP’s Andhra leaders were given big problems as their assets are located in Hyderabad. On the other hand, IT and CBI raids continued on TDP leaders in AP as well.
In his own words, Naidu said several times that what would have happened to the TDP if he had lost confidence because of these tactics of enemies. The opponents also tried to take advantage by catching Naidu unprepared to face the election. Prashant Kishor team was busy planning for YCP for many months well in advance. But it obviously had no impact as the TDP looked as always a well-prepared, strongly-built organisation under Naidu to weather any storm.
