Nearly a quarter of century after, the people of Andhra Pradesh are getting ready for a second-revolution in state politics. Needless to say, it was late NT Rama Rao, who unleashed an era of political awareness in the state, when he launched the Telugu Desam Party in March 1982. It was only last week that Megastar Chiranjeevi considered more or less equal in stature with late NTR, by glamour or public pull, launched his political party. Today (August 22) is his 53rd birthday. Perhaps, going by his words that – I have dedicated my life to people of Andhra Pradesh – this happens to be the last private birthday of him. He even sought special favor from his fans – leave me for this time to spend with my family. Idlebrain.com fondly wishes Chiranjeevi – Many happy returns of the day. On this occasion, here’s an overview of some of the pressing issues in the state, as Chiranjeevi gets ready to go public by August 26th.
Community politics
Never than before, Andhra Pradesh is surely caught in the mire of community politics. Call it euphoria. Each and every caste worth a size is spearheading an agitation for its stake in the governance. The BC segment has emerged the king in the recent months, with every political party budging to its demands. Or at least, they (parties) are afraid of the factor’s onslaught on their fortunes in the coming elections. There has prevailed a major social awareness on the part of the Dalits and minorities as well. The scenario of education has improved amazingly over the last two and half decades. At this hi-tech age, how far the glamour factor will work out for Chiranjeevi’s party. Glamour part is largely viewed as a broken chunk with its mass forming not more than 10 percent of the gross. In order to win the confidence of the people, Chiranjeevi has to come out with a party agenda. Definitely, the entire course of his action would depend on this.
Wavering campaigns and schemes
Going by Dr. Mitra’s words (Chiru’s political advisor), Chiranjeevi’s party will never be attacking the other political parties. The party would be concentrating more on seeking the public vote with a singular point – Give us a chance this time. We will show the difference. But, the Congress party is in the forefront of political mileage thanks to the populist schemes like Arogya Sri, Rajiv Grihakalpa, Food for School Children and such like. The TDP Supremo recently covered a 117-day Mee Kosam yatra, claiming a sweeping wave in favor of his party. The BJP is banking on the national issues. The Communists are yet to decide their political course of action, with no word about their alliances in the coming elections. In such a situation, a campaign without masala will not give any kick to the voters.
Telangana Issue
Chiranjeevi image as megastar is equally distributed from Ichchapuram to Chittoor. Such being the case, how would Chiranjeevi respond to the Telangana issue? Will Chiru’s “Chiru Navvula Andhra Pradesh and Santhosh Andhra Pradesh” be possible without Telangana? How would the Rayalaseema and Coastal areas respond to Chiru’s stand on T, if he were to take any?
Farmers & Villages
The political criticism is that Chiranjeevi doesn’t know anything about farmers’ issues and he has no knowledge of life in villages. At this point of attack, the immediate option before the actor is to make a whirlwind tour of the state. Except for seeing him on the small screen and big screen, how many people have seen him directly in the state? Will he convince the masses that he is not alien to the farmers’ issues and their villages? How fast? This is important.
Film fraternity
When late NTR launched his political party, he could pull the entire film fraternity, but for a few big names, to his side. Coming to Chiranjeevi, it is not clear yet. Today’s film industry has split itself, politically. During the last elections, there was absolutely no star campaigning. But, the people are going to have so many stars this time. Will they accept this glamour this time? It is a big question for the political analysts.
Corporate Culture
Unlike other political parties, Chiranjeevi’s party office is being built with a difference. It looks like a corporate office. What about it’s functioning? Politics means not sitting before computers and CC TVs, already criticism has come out. The need of the hour is less concentration on corporate culture and more on people’s friendly strategies.
Money and Liquor power
The dynamics of election campaign has changed immensely in the last one decade. Money and liquor flow like anything. Nobody can deny this. A single vote would be costing from Rs. 1, 000 to Rs. 2,000 in sheets of villages across the state, hit by poverty, floods or failure of crops. This factor will change the fate of politics overnight. This is going to be the monstrous problem for Chiranjeevi party. To what extent, his party would educate the people against this perpetual evil has to be seen.
