Intense Focus on Andhra Pradesh as Election Results Awaited

Over a week has passed since polling for the assembly and Lok Sabha elections in Andhra Pradesh, with 12 more days until the vote count determines the new state leadership. The elections will also decide whether Narendra Modi or the INDIA Alliance headed by Congress will lead the central government.

National media is more focused on the Andhra Pradesh assembly outcomes than the Lok Sabha results, with many assuming Modi's return to power. Both the ruling YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) and the opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) are confident but acknowledge a tough contest. The YSRCP initially aimed for 130-140 seats but now expects 95-100, while the TDP hopes for 105-110 seats.

The YSRCP relies on "welfare and trust," whereas the TDP, allied with JSP and BJP, criticizes "lack of development," inflation, and Jagan’s policies on sand and liquor. National media frequently consults local journalists and analysts about the election outcomes. Despite the usual practice of conducting exit polls on polling day, post-poll surveys continue across the state.

Feedback suggests that women and rural voters favored the YSRCP, while the urban middle class and youth voted against it. Analysts believe issues like infrastructure development and the land titling act may have hurt YSRCP’s chances. The suspense will end on June 1 with the release of exit polls, but the official results will be announced on June 4.