Unlike the state of Telangana where the caste dynamics are clearly defined and power is in tight control of the BRS, the scenario in Andhra Pradesh is somewhat different. Since the last month or so, Telugu Desam Party has upped the ante and Chandrababu Naidu has begun an aggressive campaign throughout the state. However, the fate of AP’s election output is always decided by two sections – the BCs and the OBCs.
The percentage of BC and OBC population is rather high in AP and hence their vote bank decides who gets to rule and who the CM becomes. In this regard, discussions are happening on who the BCs should vote for. As such, Chandrababu and TDP are constantly ranting about how they have been the best bet for the BCs and in a recent public meeting, Naidu has also confirmed that his first file as a CM would be the various number of benefits that would be bestowed upon the BCs.
However, political experts say the BCs are in more benefit if they vote for the present CM Jagan. Keeping up his promise, Jagan has done quite a bit to the BC community. He has set up several BC Corporations, and assigned important portfolios to BC Ministers. Similarly he has also brought in BCs for many nominated posts, seats in Rajya Sabha, Mayors, ZP Chairman including the MLCs. Recently, Jagan also announced that his government has given posts to more than 84000 BCs.
On one side, they have a real time track record of a CM who has done some significant stuff for the BCs and on the other side, they have an aspiring CM who’s party has not come to power since quite a while and are desperate to get to it. The BCs also have to factor how TDP will take a stand if they really get to power and it is natural that when opposition comes to power, the first focus is to recover all the money spent on election rather than fulfil the promises made and deliver some welfare initiatives.
Also, any political system tends to stabilize strongly during the second term and would be able to deliver better. Not to forget, the late Y S Rajasekhar Reddy had a special corner for the BCs and he did many welfare initiatives for them. Presently, Jagan is also carrying the same mantle with much more vigour. So, the ball is now in the court of the BCs to choose the right government.
