Jagan is more wily than psephologists

Jagan is more wily than psephologists. The recent hiring of poll strategist Prashant Kishor by the Telugu Desam (TD) has been shrugged off by the ruling Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRC), with state ministers confidently asserting that "CM Jagan is equal to six Kishors in framing political and election strategies."

According to ministers and YSRC legislators, Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has earned the support of the people of Andhra Pradesh through the successful implementation of welfare and development programs. They contend that the Telugu Desam finds itself in a weakened position leading up to the general elections, prompting Chandrababu Naidu to seek relevance in state politics by enlisting Prashant Kishor's assistance.

Water resources minister Ambati Rambabu asserted that Chandrababu Naidu's lack of credibility, attributed to past actions of "cheating and deceiving," led to the weak standing of the TD. The alliance with Jana Sena proved ineffective, prompting the recruitment of Prashant Kishor in an attempt to boost the TD's electoral prospects.

Social welfare minister Meruga Nagarjuna dismissed concerns about Kishor's association with the TD, stating that YSRC is not worried as Jagan Reddy is an adept political and electoral strategist, equivalent to six Prashant Kishors. He emphasized the trust placed in Jagan by the public in the 2019 elections and the fulfillment of poll promises despite the challenges posed by the COVID crisis.

Other ministers, including Jogi Ramesh, Vidadala Rajini, and Kodali Srivenkateswara Rao, echoed the sentiment that Naidu's credibility had already diminished, and the addition of Prashant Kishor would not alter the political landscape. They argued that the welfare and development initiatives of the YSRC under Jagan's leadership would secure victory in the 2024 elections.

The ministers dismissed the potential impact of the dual "PK" factor—Pawan Kalyan and Prashant Kishor—brought in by Naidu, asserting that it would not dent the YSRC's strong position in Andhra Pradesh politics. They emphasized the trust and confidence of the people in the leadership of Jagan Mohan Reddy, portraying him as the driving force behind the party's continued dominance.

In the midst of all these developments, the question is can Jagan outwit all the psephologists and political analysts.