In Andhra Pradesh politics, it’s common for opposition leaders to undertake Yatras or statewide tours to connect with the public. These political tours usually happen close to the elections, right before the polls.
However, in a change of trend, Andhra Pradesh Congress president Sharmila is set to embark on a statewide Yatra starting June 9. This program was officially communicated by the Congress headquarters yesterday, and arrangements are already underway.
What’s noteworthy is that YS Jagan, the metaphorical opposition leader in the current NDA-led state, has been rather lethargic in his approach. Over the past year of NDA governance, Jagan hasn’t stepped out for any major protest or public outreach. His visits to Andhra Pradesh have been limited to just a few hours with minimal public interaction.
In contrast, Sharmila is taking a proactive approach. Her decision to go on a statewide tour from June 9 reflects her seriousness. The Yatra will begin in Chittoor and conclude in Krishna district on June 30.
This poses a potential problem for Jagan. The more Sharmila captures the anti-incumbency sentiment, the more the YSR Congress Party stands to lose. Even a small percentage shift in votes toward Sharmila could be disastrous for Jagan. However, as of now, he seems rather indifferent to the situation.
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