With only six months left until the general election in Andhra Pradesh, YSRCP government has something to work on to correct its image.
Despite numerous developmental initiatives, the YSRCP's social media wing and the Digital Corporation have failed to effectively take this information to the public.
Astonishingly, even the PR team struggles to provide comprehensive details about the government's progress over the years, creating the impression that the YSRCP has achieved very little so far. But that is not all true.
Regarding the Jagananna Housing Scheme, although Jagan Mohan Reddy announced the completion and distribution of over 30 lakh houses to the underprivileged, excepting the beneficieries the general public remains largely unaware of these efforts, primarily due to the biased media coverage by pro-TDP groups.
Furthermore, the YSRCP's Social Media seems preoccupied with spreading abuses, trolls, and memes against opponents, neglecting to showcase the significant achievements of their own party.
Contrastingly, the APDC, responsible for publicizing the YSRCP's activities, has only produced short videos and posters circulated within the party's WhatsApp groups, failing to make a significant impact on the larger population.
For instance, the Arogya Suraksha scheme, introduced by Jagan Mohan Reddy, aims to provide advanced medical assistance to citizens in remote villages, reducing the need for them to travel to larger towns or cities for medical services. This is first of its kind in independant Indian history where no Chief Minister started such an initiative.
Despite its groundbreaking potential, the program's true impact remains unknown to Telugu communities worldwide, leaving them with a skewed perception of Jagan Mohan Reddy's efforts.
Over the past four and a half years, Jagan Mohan Reddy has successfully revitalized government schools under the Nadu-Nedu scheme.
Moreover, the establishment of five new medical colleges in Vizianagaram, Rajamahendravaram, Eluru, Machilipatnam, and Nandyal, admitting 150 students each, is a notable step towards enhancing medical education in Andhra Pradesh. The government's allocation of ₹8,500 crore to establish a total of 17 government medical colleges, significantly expanding healthcare access, is a substantial developmental milestone.
In addition, the ongoing development of ports, such as the Machilipatnam Sea Port and the planned Mulapeta Port in Srikakulam, aims to strengthen international trade and open gateways to Southeast Asian nations.
Furthermore, the initiation of nine fishing harbors in various locations, including Budagatlapalem in Srikakulam district, underlines the government's commitment to boost the state's economic prospects.
Efforts to establish the Bhogapuram Airport have also progressed, with the target of facilitating the first commercial flight by September 2025.
Recently, the government authorized seven new projects, with three projects set to expand, attracting a total investment of Rs 19,037 crore and promising employment opportunities for 69,565 individuals.
Despite these notable achievements, the YSRCP people seems to lack a comprehensive strategy to effectively publicize these accomplishments, instead focusing on personal attacks against opponents.
Jagan Mohan Reddy may be confident that the beneficiaries of welfare schemes would vote only for him. However, the voters are not confined solely to beneficiaries.
Many voters among middle, upper middle and elite classes expect nothing from the government but would like to see the state develop, partly through perception and partly through reality. Such voters should not be ignored. Though many among such people living across the globe may not come and vote, they hold the potential to influence the voting to an extent by sharing their opinions on public platforms.
With only six months remaining until the election, it should be seen whether the YSRCP makes attempts to correct its image by showcasing the truth to the public in the way it should be.
Usha Chowdhary
