In power politics, there is no room for stubbornness. One must adapt strategies according to political convenience — and that is exactly what Telugu Desam Party president N Chandrababu Naidu did, while his arch-rival, YSR Congress Party president Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, did not.
This was the opinion expressed by noted social scientist and activist Prof. Kancha Ilaiah.
In an interview with a media outlet, Ilaiah discussed the current political scenario in Andhra Pradesh, stating that Naidu capitalized on Jagan’s rigid stance against forming an alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party.
According to Ilaiah, Naidu gained significantly by forming a coalition with the BJP and Jana Sena. He pointed out that Naidu had once harshly criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi — more than anyone else — but ultimately joined hands with him again when the situation demanded it.
Ilaiah observed that Naidu viewed the 2024 Assembly elections as a do-or-die moment for the TDP and made strategic decisions accordingly.
He added that the BJP-led NDA at the Centre now depends on TDP's support, putting Naidu in a strong bargaining position.
He advised Jagan Mohan Reddy to reconsider his strategy, emphasizing the growing importance of national-level alliances in Indian politics.
Ilaiah criticized Jagan for insisting on going it alone and stressed the necessity of coalitions in the current political climate.
He also dismissed Pawan Kalyan’s political strength, predicting that the BJP might eventually absorb him, similar to the political playbook used in Maharashtra.
Ilaiah speculated that the BJP could offer the chief minister’s post to a Kapu leader — possibly Pawan Kalyan — while positioning Ram Madhav as deputy CM.
The activist expressed concern over the BJP’s long-term goal of weakening or eliminating regional parties.
He suspected that the BJP may aim to shrink the TDP’s influence while promoting a Kapu leader as CM — something that could even pose a threat to Naidu’s own leadership.
In this context, Ilaiah criticized Jagan’s reluctance to forge national alliances.
He urged the YSRCP chief to extend his political aspirations beyond state boundaries and embrace broader coalitions, noting that such partnerships are increasingly becoming inevitable.
“If Congress is not an option, Jagan should consider other national parties,” Ilaiah concluded.
