Vijayawada–Guntur is the strongest hold of the TDP. There are no YSRCP MLAs in this region.
It is true that the attacks on Ambati Rambabu’s house and Jogi Ramesh’s house in Ibrahimpatnam happened because of the strong TDP presence here.
But a shocking thing happened recently. When YS Jagan Mohan Reddy visited the region to console Ambati Rambabu's family for facing the attack on their house, it took eight hours for him to travel just 30 km. This was only because of huge crowds gathering to see him.
It should be noted that these people were not mobilized from elsewhere. The police had closed all roads with barricades, so no chance of people thronging from outside the region.
The people on the roads were all local residents. How did such a big wave emerge?
It is understandable if such crowds gather for Jagan Mohan Reddy in Pulivendula or other Rayalaseema areas. But seeing this kind of crowd in the Vijayawada–Guntur region is truly shocking.
Today, he is also going to visit Jogi Ramesh’s house in Ibrahimpatnam near Vijayawada. It remains to be seen how the situation on the roads will be.
Overall, this wave of crowds coming onto the roads to see Jagan Mohan Reddy has shaken the parties running the alliance government.
Immediately, Chandrababu Naidu tried to divert attention from Jagan and project him as a villain. The only available topic was the Tirumala laddu adulteration case.
In fact, this issue was already known to the public. Devotees were shocked and disturbed when the news first broke. The case is ongoing, and the latest SIT report is under discussion.
Now, for the first time, Chandrababu Naidu also made the BJP president sit beside him along with Pawan Kalyan, to give the impression that the entire alliance is united against Jagan Mohan Reddy over the alleged adulteration of ghee used in Tirumala laddus.
All these years, BJP was not at all seen active in the Allaince Government and it is almost silent. Only today someone was seen from the party beside Chandrababu Naidu and Pawan Kalyan.
Well, the truth of the ghee adulteration issue, who the real culprit is, and whether anyone is using it for political mileage are all debatable and endless questions. Only Lord Venkateswara knows the truth, and he will punish the guilty if he wishes.
Keeping that aside, the main point is this; there was a strong anti-wave against Ambati Rambabu when he used bad language against Chandrababu Naidu a few days ago. People did not appreciate it at all and strongly criticised him.
However, the attack on Jogi Ramesh’s house badly damaged the Kutami government’s reputation and turned public opinion completely negative.
Chandrababu Naidu’s attempt to revive the laddu issue to counter the rising popularity of Jagan Mohan Reddy appears to have backfired.
It should be noted that when people come out in large crowds, it is often a sign of anti-incumbency. A similar scene was seen when Chandrababu Naidu was released from jail in Rajahmundry. The election results later reflected that mood.
So, there is enough reason for alliance leaders to feel worried about the overwhelming crowds surrounding Jagan Mohan Reddy.
What will happen if YS Jagan Mohan Reddy starts another padayatra can be left to imagination.