Pawan Kalyan, the Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and a key leader in the alliance government, made a statement today that many feel unexpectedly worked like a campaign for the opposition YSRCP.
YSRCP supporters say his remarks sounded like he was giving them free publicity.
He said that although YSRCP has only 11 MLAs in the Assembly, they speak as if they are 1100 in number. Supporters believe that statement itself sounds like a powerful endorsement.
In fact, they say such a line is something YSRCP leaders themselves would proudly say, not a rival. Pawan Kalyan appeared to make the remark while trying to troll the opposition, but reading between the lines, many feel it sounded like praise out of his heart.
In his own words, he said "Though they are only 11 in number, they speak as if they are 1100 because they believe in themselves".
He also added, "On our side, we hesitate to speak about our own achievements. I do not know why we hold back."
YSRCP supporters say this remark has turned into an unexpected boost for them. They feel that such words coming from a political opponent sound more like appreciation than criticism.
According to them, praise from rivals is often seen as the real measure of political strength.