Violent aftershocks of elections in Seemandhra after May 16th?

- Lalith Adithya

This election in Seemandhra seems to have witnessed a sharp Rural Vs Urban/middle class polarization .

Potential for violence after May 16

The violent aftershocks of the election continue in Seemandhra with sporadic clashes between TDP and YSRCP party men. With TDP openly accusing the Election Commission of turning a blind eye to Jagan party’s malpractices and even worse, actively conspiring with him , make we wonder its reaction in a scenario where Jagan ekes out a victory by a wafer thin margin, TDP may not be inclined to gracefully concede defeat given its ally BJP is likely to form the government in Center ,TDP may feel emboldened to stir up trouble on streets and pave a way for Governors rule ( BJP appointed) . These elections are particularly important for the Seemandhra politico-contractor class because with the loss of Hyderabad, their prime feeding ground for the last few decades, the pie just got lot smaller and competition much more intense, Seemandhra itself is now a tempting fare given the slew of new projects and ‘packages’ declared by the center .

Naidu forgot the lessons of 2004

Chandrababu buoyed by Modi seems to have entirely forgot the bitter lessons of 2004 when voters have punished him for his excessive on ‘development’ plank. Most Chandrababu supporters this elections voted for him expecting him to put an end to the patronage culture of ‘doles’ or social welfare schemes instituted under YSR and instead focus on ‘development’/urban infrastructure .

Location of Capital.

Naidu represents a more unifying leader for Semandhra , even though both the leaders are from the Seema region ,Jagan is seen as more of a full blooded ‘Seema’ person and could be inclined to influence the location of the capital close to his own power base of Seema . Rayalaseema would be up in arms if Coastal andhra ends up getting both Polavaram and a new capital.