In an apparent attempt to strengthen her political positioning and build a mass-leader image, Telangana Jagruthi president K. Kavitha on Saturday sought to project herself as “Amma” for the people of Telangana, on the lines of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa.
Until now, Kavitha had largely been referred to as “Akka” (sister), a title she was comfortable with. However, while launching her new political party, Telangana Rashtra Sena, she announced that she would prefer to be called “Amma” going forward.
She said she aspires to function “like a mother” to Telangana’s nearly 30 million people. “A mother understands the needs of her children and is always concerned about their welfare. Similarly, I want to be like a mother who understands the aspirations of the people,” she said.
As she concluded her speech, her supporters began raising slogans of “Amma CM, Amma CM,” signalling a shift in her political branding from “Akka” to “Amma.”
Analysts say her remarks reflect the “Amma” model popularised by Jayalalithaa, which was built on welfare expansion and emotional connection with the electorate. Kavitha emphasised that only a compassionate, welfare-oriented administration can effectively address systemic inequalities and hardships.
As part of her political roadmap, Kavitha announced a comprehensive five-point agenda focused on social welfare and economic empowerment.
This includes free education from primary school to post-graduation, universal healthcare, enhanced support for farmers through electricity, fertilizers, and irrigation, promotion of entrepreneurship among unemployed youth with financial assistance ranging from ₹2 lakh to ₹20 crore, and a strong focus on social justice as a core pillar of governance.
Analysts believe that by attempting to replicate the “Amma” political template, Kavitha aims to build an emotional connect with the electorate in the coming years.
