The latest India Today Mood of the Nation (MOTN) survey indicates that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is poised to retain power for a fourth consecutive term in the next general elections.
In Andhra Pradesh, the NDA, led locally by the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) under Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, is projected to return to power comfortably. In contrast, Telangana is expected to witness a tough contest, with the Congress holding a fair chance of coming back, primarily facing stiff competition from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) rather than the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS).
Nationally, the survey suggests that if Lok Sabha elections were held today, the BJP would likely maintain its dominance, with Prime Minister Modi’s leadership on foreign policy and national security continuing to be decisive factors.
In Andhra Pradesh, the survey reflects the continuing strength of the NDA alliance, which had swept the state in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, securing 21 seats: TDP – 16, Jana Sena – 2, and BJP – 3, while the YSR Congress (YSRCP) won four seats. The current survey projects an even stronger consolidation for the NDA, with its vote share rising from 53% to 55% and seat projections increasing to 22–24. Meanwhile, the YSRCP vote share is expected to dip marginally from 40% to 39%, with seats projected to fall to 1–3.
A similar pattern is anticipated in the upcoming Assembly elections, with the TDP-led coalition positioned to return to power with a comfortable margin. Analysts attribute this continued optimism to initiatives like the “Super Six” governance promises and early policy measures. While YSRCP retains a significant vote base, the survey notes that without strong allies, it may struggle to convert votes into seats. Meanwhile, the Congress under Y.S. Sharmila remains stagnant at around 6%, showing little sign of revival.
Telangana presents a contrasting picture. The survey indicates an increasingly bipolar contest between the Congress and the BJP, with the BRS finding it difficult to regain its former dominance. In the 2024 elections, both the Congress and BJP won 8 seats each, while the BRS drew a blank. For the next elections, the Congress vote share is projected to rise slightly to about 41%, the BJP is expected to hold steady despite minor fluctuations, and the BRS vote share may improve slightly but not enough to convert into seats.
Political analysts note that the decline of the BRS has shifted Telangana’s political dynamics toward national parties, with Lok Sabha elections increasingly influenced by national considerations rather than regional identity.
Jabardasth Comedian Defends Minister Subash, Slams Jagan
The other day, YSRCP chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy courted controversy with his comments targeting TDP and Jana Sena leaders while speaking about Sankranti celebrations in Andhra Pradesh. He alleged that certain MLAs and MPs had encouraged recording dances and gambling during the festive period.
In this backdrop, Jagan specifically targeted Minister Vasamshetty Subash, accusing him of behaving irresponsibly and inappropriately by dancing on stage during recording dance programs. Jagan went on to claim that the minister had compromised his dignity through such actions.
However, Jabardasth comedian Shanti Swaroop, who was present on the stage during the same Sankranti celebration, has now come forward with a clarification video, offering a completely different version of events. Shanti Swaroop, popularly known for his lady getup performances on Jabardasth, categorically stated that Minister Subash was not at fault.
According to the comedian, a group of artists was officially invited to perform as part of the Sankranti festivities and were given work during the celebrations. He said the organisers, along with Minister Subash, were generous in supporting the artists. As a mark of respect, the artists themselves requested the minister to step onto the stage and dance briefly with them.
Shanti Swaroop clarified that the minister danced on his own only for a short while and that he later joined him on stage. He strongly refuted Jagan’s allegation that the minister danced shamelessly with women, stating that the former chief minister had completely misunderstood the situation. He added that such statements, made without knowing the facts, indirectly damage the livelihood and dignity of artists like them.
The comedian did not mince words while criticising Jagan, stating that a former chief minister should have verified basic facts before making serious allegations on a public platform.