The TDP in AP has been daring the ruling YSRCP to hold elections and prove its popularity. Now that the poll bugle for one municipal corporation and 12 municipalities has been sound, it is in a fix. It knows that its strength is dwindling and that it is no match for the YSRCP. All the bravado is now replaced by anxiety and worry..
In the first phase of municipal election, the TDP had a fig leaf saying that the YSRCP could score spectacular victories mainly because the TDP had boycotted the polls. Now, even that alibi is not there as it was the TDP that dared the YSRCP to fight an electoral battle. So, it cannot run away from contesting. Now, it has to prove that the popularity of the YSRCP is waning. It also has to prove that the TDP can defeat the YSRCP.
The TDP’s worst nightmare is Kuppam municipality. Kuppam is Chandrababu’s home constituency. The TDP wants to win somehow or the other. A defeat in Kuppam would have an utterly demoralising effect on the TDP cadres. Also, the YSRCP would become more belligerent. Hence, the TDP is pulling all stops to win Kuppam.
One major problem is that theTDP cannot boycott these elections. If it boycotts, then the effect would be devastating. The party is now looking for some respectiable escape route.