Politics is an ever-evolving field, and the recent election results in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have provided a crucial lesson for political leaders: those who ignore public expectations face electoral setbacks.
Recent statements by defeated leaders like K. Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) and Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy suggest an unwillingness to acknowledge the real reasons behind their losses. Instead of introspection, they have chosen to blame external factors such as voter unpredictability, EVMs, or alleged conspiracies. While this may offer temporary solace, it prevents meaningful self-assessment and course correction.
After his loss, former Telangana Chief Minister KCR stated, “I distributed money to people with the press of a button. Yet, I don’t understand why I was defeated.” Similarly, former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy claimed, “I had the performance to win, but EVMs led to our defeat.” These remarks indicate a growing disconnect between leaders and public sentiment.
Governance Failures: The Real Reason Behind Defeat
Current Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu previously lost power in 2019 because he failed to effectively counter negative campaigns and lost touch with ground realities. KCR, despite his role in achieving Telangana’s statehood, was seen as arrogant and resistant to criticism. His decision to give tickets to unpopular MLAs added to the anti-incumbency wave.
Jagan, on the other hand, focused heavily on direct cash transfers but neglected key governance aspects. While welfare schemes were popular, they could not compensate for administrative inefficiencies and lack of large-scale development. These examples highlight that people expect good governance, not just financial assistance.
The Challenges for Current Leaders
Even leaders currently in power must take note of these lessons. Chandrababu Naidu, despite his experience, appears to be repeating some of his past mistakes. His overemphasis on real-time governance and long review meetings has created unnecessary pressure on government employees. While his concern for employee welfare is commendable, it loses credibility when administrative actions contradict it.
In Telangana, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s government is facing increasing scrutiny. While he has launched several initiatives, the public is growing impatient due to the lack of visible, impactful governance. Even KCR recently warned Reddy that political strategies alone are not enough—only strong governance can ensure long-term success.
Leaders Must Address Public Concerns to Stay Relevant
No government can survive if it fails to address the fundamental needs of the people. Winning elections is one thing, but sustaining public trust requires consistent and effective governance. Leaders like Revanth Reddy and Chandrababu Naidu must stay connected with the ground realities and respond to public expectations if they want to maintain their political dominance.
Otherwise, history will repeat itself, and those who ignore public sentiment will find themselves out of power. Telugu state leaders must take this lesson seriously and focus on transparent, accountable governance to secure their political future.
