Ever since BJP-led NDA came into power routing Congress-led UPA with Narendra Modi as the Prime Minister, the one Telugu man who is ruling at the Centre with decision-influencing power is only Venkaiah Naidu. Besides being the Union Minister for Urban Development, Venkaiah Naidu had been seen as the voice of Telugu states at the centre.
He has echoed the voice of Telugu people at the top and played a significant role in getting works done for the successor state of Andhra Pradesh and new state of Telangana. Apparently, whatever, the most of the funds AP have received so far were from Venkaiah’s department (Urban Development).
Now that Venkaiah is moving from voice of Telugu states to the voice of Constitution of India – as he is the front-runner to be the next Vice President, Telugu-speaking people feel that it is not going to be same anymore.
Even BJP’s key ally in the Telugu states, TDP is apparently worried over the move as it could also affect their poll-prospects in the next general elections which are due in late 2018 or early 2019.
Also the fact that Venkaiah is so close to AP CM Chandrababu Naidu and he is now moved to a Constitutional force and can’t be involved in politics anymore, going may get tough for Naidu and TDP while dealing with the Central government. Since Centre had not kept its promise of Special Category Status to AP and Special Railway Zone to Visakhapatnam yet, and it is highly unlikely that it would keep in the remaining period, many Telugu people, leaders have mixed reaction over Venkaiah’s elevation to the Vice President.
No doubt, it is a happy and proud moment for the Telugu people. But all are now worried over the consequences and how it is going to be a loss politically and administratively.