Many surveys including those done by the national media are predicting a landslide victory for the YSRCP.
Back home, it is obvious that barring the Sakshi group which is owned by Jagan’s family, the other media houses which have always been loyal to the TDP are naturally confident of the TDP retaining power.
The people of Andhra Pradesh are naturally confused as to what the ground reality is. If one were to observe the electoral history of Andhra Pradesh, the people have always given a decisive mandate whether it be to the TDP or the Congress. There has never been a fractured mandate or a hung Assembly.
In 2019 as well, it would be a safe bet to assume that either the YSRCP or the TDP; whomsoever wins will cross the finish line comfortably. But who is it that will emerge winner?
Political analysts actually opine that there is a huge wave in favour of YS Jagan. But given the constant badgering or brainwashing by the TDP-pro media, the perception has been generated that it is a neck-and-neck contest between the two Parties.
This kind of successful media propaganda was very much in evidence in Telangana during the recent Assembly elections.
The pro-TDP media created such a hype that many expected the ‘Maha Kootami’ to come to power. Lagadapati Rajagopal’s prediction further created doubts in the minds of the public about the TRS winning again.
The eventual results were like a shotgun blast to the ‘Maha Kootami’ supporters for it was actually a massive and unprecedented verdict in favour of the TRS.
Therefore, a similar mandate in Andhra in favour of the YSRCP cannot be ruled out.
But, the ‘printed opinion’ does not echo this truth for the truth might well have been blurred by the best efforts of the pro-TDP media.
May 23 will in all likelihood substantiate this opinion.