Ever since Nandyal by-poll verdict came out in open where ruling TDP secured a phenomenal majority of over 27,000 votes, the talk has it that TDP would have got higher majority had Chandrababu fielded a much stronger candidate. From TDP leaders to common people to political analysts opine that TDP should have fielded Bhuma Mounika as candidate instead of Bhuma Brahmananda Reddy.
In fact, Bhuma Mounika Reddy too was interested to contest in Nandyal by-election that is facilitated after her father and then sitting MLA Bhuma Nagi Reddy died of cardiac arrest leaving his daughters alone. Many wanted Bhuma Mounika as the TDP candidate as she is the potential candidate. The way she campaigned in the polls and the way she conducted herself on the poll day by defending TDP leaders and complained on Bhuma Chakrapani’s son who was entering polling booths without authorized car pass provided by the EC, Mounika has played significant role a la her father-late Bhuma Nagi Reddy. She literally won the hearts of her cadre.
Experts opine that TDP would have got over 50,000 votes margin against YSRCP had the party fielded Bhuma Mounika and it would have been a fitting reply to Jagan and his party.
However, here lies the master-plan of Chandrababu Naidu who has a great foresight. Had Bhuma Mounika contested from TDP and won with a record majority, everyone from YSRCP to media would have described ‘sympathy wave’ as the reason for the victory and attributed the victory to ‘sympathy’ on Bhuma family who lost both parents in short time. But by fielding Bhuma Brahmananda Reddy, Chandrababu has did a great trick that helped him to assess the genuine strength of TDP. It also helped to further weaken the YSRCP whose confidence levels have depleted to great extent.
Naidu has sent a strong signals to YSRCP and people of the state that his ruling, ability has been getting good applause from both rural and urban voters.