Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Simultaneous elections in four states' that was published in Newsband

Simultaneous elections in four states

Four States are facing simultaneous elections to the Assemblies and the Lok Sabha: Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.

In Andhra Pradesh, the two main rivals are regional forces, the Chandrababu Naidu-led Telugu Desam Party and the Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy-led YSR Congress Party. In 2014, the TDP had successfully fought elections in alliance with the BJP, and the Congress faced a backlash. This time, the TDP has broken its alliance with the BJP

In Odisha, the Biju Janata Dal led by Naveen Patnaik has been in power for 19 years, having bucked anti-incumbency largely due to welfare-driven governance. The Congress and particularly the BJP have a stronger presence. The BJP, buoyed by its performance in the 2017 local body elections, is expected to put up a stronger fight in the State’s Assembly and Lok Sabha polls. The BJP is keen to make up for expected losses in its strongholds in the north with gains in the east.

Sikkim Democratic Front are expected to face a more pronounced challenge from the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha and the new party launched by former footballer Bhaichung Bhutia, the Hamro Sikkim Party.

In Arunachal Pradesh, the Permanent Resident Certificate issue will figure as a dominant narrative during the elections. BJP is the ruling party over there.

The people of the newly formed Andhra Pradesh need to be extra cautious while electing their new legislators and thus the new chief minister. The voters need to analyse the competitors very carefully and elect. The voters should not fall prey to the gimmicks of the leaders in the fray. The newly formed state does need a dynamic, intelligent, experienced, etc. political leader. The new capital city Amaravati needs to be built on par with other capital cities. Of course Rome was not built in a day, it will take time and needs an innovative and an effective chief minister.

In assembly election, regional party play a vital role because they are aware of local issues and they have ground level connection with its citizen. In the Lok Sabha they also play major role in government formation (alliance). 

Years back when the regional parties entered Politics in a small way Congress ruled both states and central level. Dravidian parties grew up fast due to the problems between old and youth in Congress starting with Kamaraj plan. Congress leadership went to youths and that did not succeed in regions. This would bound to cause national unity or disintegration.

Some surveys did predict that there may be a hung in Andhra Pradesh, i.e. a single party may not get majority. Both ruling and opposition parties have been doing their best to take the charge. The outcome will also depend upon the last few days of campaigning and also voters’ attitude. Whoever comes to power, they need to do a lot for the newly formed state. The people of A.P. are eagerly waiting to see Amaravati as capital rather than Hyderabad. It’s obvious that besides political will some sincere assistance from the centre is required. Anyway, kudos to the ruling party for improving Per Capita Income.