Review: Chandrababu Naidu as oposition leader

Telugu Desam Party president Nara Chandrababu Naidu is the worst opposition leader in the recent Andhra Pradesh political history. This may look harsh for hard core supporters of Telugu Desam party but we should compare his performance with recent opposition leaders. Before comparing, we should ask one question ourselves. Who is the real opposition leader in Andhra Pradesh? My opinion is it is either Eenadu/Andhra Jyothy or B.V. Raghavulu (CPM). Review of recent opposition leaders (from1988 onwards):

1. Marri Chennareddy: He changed political equations in the state in just within one year of taking charge. He successfully defeated a great leader like N.T. Rama Rao without much difficulty. He created all sorts of trouble for NTR as PCC president. His “1 crore signatures programme against NTR” is difficult to forget.

2. N. Chandrababu Naidu (1989-1994): Even though NTR is official opposition leader in the Assembly, Chandrababu Naidu steered party in those difficult times. NTR failed to adjust to the opposition leader role. Naidu created tremors by unearthing one scam after another. But Chandrababu failed to adjust to the opposition leader after 2004 defeat. Who will take his role?

3. P. Janardhan Reddy: Even with just 26 MLAs, he created all sorts of trouble for Telugu Desam in Assembly.

4. Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy: His “Padayatra” will be remembered forever in Andhra politics. He transformed his 25-year factionist image into a pro-farmer leader with just one movement. He became a new hope for poor people and farmers in those days. Even after his 3-year worst performance as chief minister, his Padayatra is still responsible for his current popularity. Opposition leaders should create such movements to earn positive vote for their parties.

5. N. Chandrababu Naidu (2004-07): Nothing to write about his performance.

But in the last 3 years, Eenadu and Andhra Jyothy newspapers and Raghavulu of CPM took opposition mantle from Telugu Desam with their “never say die” spirit against Congress governemnt. T. Devender Goud and N. Janardhan Reddy are the only TDP leaders who showed real fighting spirit both in Assembly and outside in the recent memory. Devender Goud single handedly saved Telugu Desam Party in Telangana region in those difficult times. Unsurprisingly, TDP got more seats in Telangana but not in Coastal area, its traditional bastion. It is no surprise, TDP lost in Chandrababu’s native MPTC.

I can’t understand why Chandra Babu asks for YSR's resignation for every silly reason. How many real people movements are initiated by Naidu as opposition leader? When will he adjust to the opposition leader role? Why he behave in such a diplomatic manner against a hardcore factionist like Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy? If TDP returns to power, it is not due to Chandrababu Naidu but due to Rajasekhar reddy.

Please share your opinion on Chandrababu Naidu performance as opposition leader.