After bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh in 2014, there has been a stiff competition among the Chief Ministers of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, K Chandrasekhar Rao and N Chandrababu Naidu.
The competition was to hog the political limelight both locally and nationally.
Though KCR became popular by successfully leading Telangana agitation, achieving statehood for Telangana and becoming first CM of the new state, his AP counterpart Naidu used to give him tough competition in attracting the attention of media and political circles with his seniority in politics, clout in national politics, media management, effective lobbying skills etc.
Both the CMs also used to compete for top ranks in various fields for respective states with regard to Ease of Doing Business, E-Governance, industrial policy, welfare schemes etc.
However, with TDP decimated in AP and Naidu losing CM’s post, KCR was elated that he will dominate Telugu politics both at local and national level.
KCR was also elated at Jagan taking over CM’s post in AP as he is much younger to him with just 46 years of age, lack administrative and political experience like him.
But within a week after taking over as CM, the popularity of Jagan has been rising like anything both in Telugu States and also in national politics.
PM Modi and Amit Shah started giving more prominence to Jagan than KCR. The Centre is expected to give more funds and projects to AP than TS.
Jagan has also been receiving tremendous response from AP people as CM within a week.
His simplicity, style of functioning, always smiling face, friendly approach etc has attracted the attention of all.
Jagan’s political calibre was also proved to be more than KCR in the recent general elections, where YSRCP swept 151 out of 175 seats in Assembly and 22 out of 25 Lok Sabha seats in AP. Such ‘one sided results’ were not possible even for KCR despite his seniority and assisted by an effective second rung leadership in TRS in the form of KTR, Harish, Kavitha and Santhosh etc.
Jagan’s welfare schemes in the form of Navaratnalu have also become a cause of concern for KCR.
Despite AP being a ‘revenue deficit state’, he is giving KCR a run for his money in implementing novel welfare schemes, which are superior to KCR’s schemes despite Telangana being a ‘revenue surplus state’.
KCR is keenly watching Jagan’s journey as CM for the next five years.
If it goes at the same pace, Jagan may find himself much ahead of KCR on several fronts after five years.
KCR is also worried that Jagan may set his eyes on Telangana politics once he settles down as CM in AP.
Several Reddy leaders from Congress, BJP, TDP and other parties, social organisations in Telangana are learnt to be already in touch with Jagan and expressing their desire to work with Jagan to strengthen YSRCP in Telangana in the run up to 2023 Assembly polls.
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