A wave of Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS) calls has taken Andhra Pradesh by storm, asking citizens: "If elections were held today, who would you vote for? Press 1 for the TDP-BJP-Jana Sena alliance, 2 for YSRCP, and 3 if you support none."
These region-wise phone surveys, which have been happening over the past two days, have stirred political discussions across the state — especially since it has been exactly one year since the 2024 general election results were announced.
With the 2029 elections still four years away, many are questioning the motive behind this sudden push to gauge public opinion.
Speculation is rife that the government itself might be behind the survey, possibly in response to rising dissatisfaction among various sections of society.
The buzz is that the survey is an attempt to directly gather public feedback on governance.
What’s notable is that the survey assumes the three parties — TDP, BJP, and Jana Sena — will continue as a united front in the next elections.
It’s no secret that Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu frequently commissions surveys in various formats to stay in tune with public sentiment.
With advances in technology, the government is now believed to be using IVRS calls to assess the public pulse.
Reports indicate that around 25% of people are ignoring the calls, fearing that sharing their opinion — even via a button press — could potentially backfire.
However, a majority of respondents are said to be actively engaging with the survey, expressing their views clearly.
The unexpected timing and format of the survey have certainly added a fresh layer of intrigue to Andhra Pradesh’s political landscape.
