2024: A Year of Political Change in Andhra Pradesh with TDP’s Resounding Victory
The year 2024 will be remembered as a landmark period of political change in Andhra Pradesh, with a resounding public mandate in favor of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP)-led alliance.
The year began with a fierce battle for power as the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) fought to retain its rule. However, the second half saw a dramatic shift in fortunes as the TDP, along with its allies Jana Sena and the BJP, stormed to power in the state. Key developments throughout the year included the unprecedented floods in Vijayawada, the resumption of capital works in Amaravati, and various controversies including the row over the sacred Tirumala laddu. Additionally, efforts to attract investments played a major role in shaping the political landscape.
One of the major highlights of the year was the return of veteran politician Nara Chandrababu Naidu as the Chief Minister. His comeback, especially after facing significant political and legal challenges, was marked by a deeply emotional moment when he took oath as Chief Minister in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Naidu’s return, after suffering setbacks, was a testament to the anti-incumbency wave that swept the state, ultimately leading to the defeat of the YSRCP. Naidu’s 45-year-long political career witnessed a rare emotional display, particularly following his public humiliation in the state Assembly and his subsequent jailing on corruption charges.
After spending 52 days in jail on charges related to the Andhra Pradesh Skill Development Corporation scam, Naidu regained his freedom on bail on October 31, and swiftly resumed his leadership role. Jana Sena leader Pawan Kalyan, who had long been a supporter of Naidu, strengthened their alliance, which eventually formed the bedrock of the TDP-led coalition government. The BJP, too, joined the alliance as elections drew closer.
YSRCP’s bid for a second term was further complicated by internal family rifts, with Jagan Mohan Reddy facing opposition from his sister, Y.S. Sharmila, and cousin Y.S. Sunitha Reddy. However, despite the family’s internal troubles, Sharmila’s efforts to revive Congress failed to yield any significant results, as the YSRCP’s tally in the Assembly plummeted dramatically. The TDP-Jana Sena-BJP alliance made a clean sweep, with the TDP securing 135 Assembly seats and 16 Lok Sabha seats.
The TDP’s success positioned Naidu as a key player in the national political scene, as his party extended support to the BJP, which had failed to secure a majority on its own. In return, Naidu successfully garnered promises from the Centre, including Rs. 15,000 crore from multilateral development agencies. His government focused on completing long-pending projects, including the development of Amaravati as the state capital and the Polavaram irrigation project.
Naidu also launched a number of initiatives aimed at improving the state’s infrastructure and economy. Under his leadership, the government focused on attracting investment, with Naidu claiming that Rs. 4 lakh crore of investment would create over four lakh jobs. Efforts to make Andhra Pradesh a global hub for technology and business continued with new policies in sectors such as drone technology, industrial development, and clean energy.
Despite the heavy political developments, the year was not without challenges. In September, the state was devastated by floods, with Vijayawada witnessing the worst floods in 50 years. Naidu led the state’s relief efforts, spending 10 days on the ground in the worst-hit areas. Meanwhile, the controversy surrounding the Tirumala laddu led to a bitter political war, with Naidu accusing the YSRCP of adulterating the sacred offering. This sparked a political row that even reached the Supreme Court, which noted that Naidu should have refrained from making unverified statements.
The year also saw Naidu implement a series of social welfare programs, including an increase in social security pensions, skill development initiatives, and a scheme to provide free cooking gas cylinders to the poor. These efforts were part of his broader vision to make Andhra Pradesh a thriving industrial powerhouse, with an ambitious target of attracting Rs. 30 lakh crore in investments over the next five years.
In conclusion, 2024 was a year of transformation for Andhra Pradesh, marked by political upheaval, strategic alliances, and significant policy changes. As Naidu continues to steer the state, the impact of this political shift will likely resonate for years to come, as the state faces both challenges and opportunities under the new leadership.
