It has been nearly 11 months since the Telugu Desam Party-led alliance government came to power in Andhra Pradesh.
While the government's overall performance can be set aside for a moment, strong criticism is emerging at the grassroots level about the functioning of several MLAs.
Despite repeated warnings from chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu during cabinet and alliance party meetings, it appears that many MLAs have not improved their performance or conduct.
A recent survey by an independent poll analyst has highlighted that the popularity graph of several MLAs of the TDP-led coalition, if not the Naidu government per se, is on the decline.
The survey conducted by Praveen Pullat, one of the survey experts who accurately predicted a decisive victory for the alliance before the last assembly elections, has revealed that at least 41 alliance MLAs are likely to lose their seats if the elections are held now.
The alliance partners are unlikely to give them the party tickets and even if they are given, they might lose the elections.
He shared this information in a post on X (formerly Twitter), which has since become a topic of debate in political circles.
As the alliance government approaches its one-year anniversary, Praveen Pullat hinted that more explosive revelations are on the way.
In another comment, he mentioned that "92% of one-time MLAs will be first and last timers," without specifying who he was referring to.
It is not clear whether Praveen has just made broad comments or has really done a survey, which he is expected to release.
His post on X evoked several comments and many of them have agreed with him over the performance of the MLAs.
A post using the hashtag #RISEResearch said: “In Andhra Pradesh, election results are influenced by the prevailing political wave. If there’s strong momentum, candidates win; otherwise, they don’t.”
He commented that if the capital city of Amaravati doesn’t take a shape in another two or three years, the alliance could lose 50–60 MLAs.
“And if Naidu fails to implement his Super Six guarantees, the alliance might lose another 50–60 seats. These two points are crucial to the alliance’s future,” he said.