The Andhra Pradesh (AP) elections of 2024 have come to a close, with the polling wrapping up on May 13. Now, everyone is eagerly awaiting the results, scheduled to be released on June 4. However, there are growing signs and whispers among the leaders of the YSRCP (Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party) indicating that the party might not secure another term in power.
The YSRCP candidates are feeling nervous about how their supporters will react if they face defeat in the elections. Their main goal now is to protect their party members while minimizing losses to their rival, the TDP (Telugu Desam Party). Unfortunately, in the days following the elections, incidents of violence have erupted in different parts of Andhra Pradesh.
Surprisingly, these violent clashes have not been limited to the pre-poll and polling days but have continued even after the elections. Areas like Tirupati, Macharla, Tadipathri, and Chandragiri have witnessed clashes between supporters of both the TDP and the YSRCP, with stones being hurled at each other.
Digging deeper into the root of this ongoing violence, it has been discovered that TDP leaders wishing to switch to the YSRCP are required to publicly criticize Chandrababu Naidu and Lokesh using disrespectful language before being accepted into the YSRCP. This stringent condition effectively prevents these leaders from returning to the TDP, even if they want to.
The ruling party leaders seem to be deliberately provoking their cadre members to attack their opponents and then offering them legal assistance for five years if cases are filed against them. This tactic aims to prevent rival parties from gaining momentum.
In light of the anticipated unfavorable election results for the YSRCP, some candidates are taking steps to boost morale among their cadre members. For example, Minister Rajani, who contested in the Guntur West constituency, is organizing dinner parties to show appreciation for the efforts of the party members during the elections.
