Chandrababu Invokes NTR’s Name In Defeat  

By Kommineni Srinivasa Rao

TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu and his son, Nara Lokesh, appear to be looking out for excuses to which they can attribute the drubbing their party received at the hands of the YSRCP.

For the first time in many years, Chandrababu was brief when he spoke in public on the occasion of TDP founder, NTR's birth anniversary . This was a welcome relief to TDP cadre and the general public alike, who were used to his long speeches. Interestingly, Chandrababu remarked that someone as tall as NTR could not escape defeat, but he continued to be among people. Chandrababu asserted that he would try to bring TDP back to its glory. NTR lost power in 1989. In particular, his defeat from Kalwakurthy in the then Mahbubnagar district, created ripples back then. However, in 1994, NTR helmed the TDP back to power.

Of course, NTR lost power to Chandrababu in the most unfortunate and undemocratic manner and it would not be an exaggeration to say that he died of the shock he was subjected to. In truth, NTR's electoral loss in 1989 could be attributed in substantial measure to Chandrababu, who as Karshak Parishad head had annoyed NTR with his controversial behaviour. To NTR's credit, he came back to power in 1994, but was stabbed in the back by his son-in-law who upstaged him. Ironically, Chandrababu still refers to NTR as his source of inspiration in his speeches.

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Reports say that Chandrababu has been telling TDP workers and leaders that they did nothing wrong and had worked in the interests of the state. This would amount to self-deception. Instead, he should be more honest and admit that they would have made some mistakes which cost them dearly. That would have made him appear more credible to the TDP cadre. The TDP supremo was under the impression that appearing for long spells on TV channels would make it seem as if he is working very hard. Chandrababu was fixated with publicity.

Chandrababu who would speak for hours is now mysteriously giving short speeches. In fact, people expected him to make an important announcement, but he instead consoled them by saying that even someone as great as NTR lost at the hustings and left it at that. He did attempt to boost the morale of the party workers. If as Chandrababu stated, he and other TDP leaders had done no wrong, then who is responsible for the TDP's defeat? Does it mean that it is the people who are fault for not voting the TDP to power? The party is likely ito be in a state of turmoil for some time and it is unclear as to when things would take a turn for the better. Lakshmi Parvathi, NTR's widow and Mothkupalli Narsimhulu say that after all these years, NTR's soul would rest in peace. At last, Chandrababu sees the need to lean on NTR more than he ever did.

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