The latest Neelson-ORG MARG survey in AP has sprung a surprise: In coastal Andhra, regarded as Telugu Desam’s (TDP) stronghold, Andhra Pradesh’s Congress chief minister, YS Rajasekhara Reddy is ahead of TDP’s Naidu in terms of popularity!.
ANDHRA PRADESH chief minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy (YSR) is the best AP chief minister, according to the findings of the latest survey conducted by Neelson-ORG MARG jointly with NTV. Former chief minister and the main opposition leader, N Chandrababu Naidu is second. But region-wise, Chandrababu Naidu stands first. The other two regions, viz, coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema choose YSR. The state’s major political parties have termed the survey reliable. This survey was conducted in the backdrop of rumours that mid-term polls are likely in the country. The survey queried the respondents on: State politics, success at the elections, government schemes, the best CM, the best Prime Minister, etc. The results of the survey are being telecast daily since February 12, on NTV. When Neelson-ORG MARG conducted a survey in various states on a previous occasion, the findings almost matched the results (of the elections). It is in this context that everybody is analysing threadbare the findings of this survey. Political parties also seriously await the results of the survey. The survey covered: Male and female voters belonging to different age groups, the educated class, the illiterates and the various communities and religions in the 275 assembly constituencies of the state. Data was collected from nearly 55,000 voters representing the 275 assembly constituencies. State-wide, 49 per cent of the respondents rated YS Rajasekhara Reddy as the best chief minister. Former chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu was chosen by 42 per cent of the respondents. Everybody knows Chandrababu Naidu ruled the state for nine years. He is the chief minister to have ruled the state for the longest term. Earlier, the late Kasu Brahmananda Reddy held the record. Region-wise, Telangana chose Chandrababu Naidu (44 per cent) while YSR bagged only 39 per cent. But in coastal Andhra, which is regarded as Telugu Desam Party’s stronghold, the findings surprised one and all. YSR raced ahead, with 57 per cent of the respondents choosing him as the best CM. Only 39 per cent of the respondents chose Chandrababu Naidu. Other Articles by Srinivasaprasad Sakhamuru Media war in Andhra Pradesh Andhra Pradesh: One district, one airport AP: First Digital City in the country AP: Private medical colleges want separate entrance test Andhra Pradesh: Are TTD scanners harmful to ecology? more >> In Rayalaseema region, 49 per cent of the respondents chose YSR and 45 per cent chose Chandrababu Naidu. Both the leaders are from the same region, viz, Rayalaseema. YSR is from Cuddapah district while Chandrababu Naidu represents Chittoor district of Rayalaseema. The main opposition party in the State, viz, Telugu Desam has welcomed the findings of this survey and said it will set right things at its end and improve its rankings. Senior party leader and former minister Kodela Sivaprasada Rao claimed that public opinion had changed particularly in these two months and sounded positive about his party’s prospects. In an NTV programme, Kodela accused the ruling Congress party of losing the confidence of the people of the state with each passing day. But senior Congress leader and Finance Minister Konijeti Rosaiah opined that the popularity of YSR has been increasing by the day, thanks to the welfare and developmental programmes he has been implementing. Rosaiah also agreed that several things had to be set right
