Coalition dynamics yet to catch up in AP

Unprecedented turmoil and rebellion among all major parties in Andhra Pradesh have been a reflection of the lack of proper perspective on coalition dynamics, which is a new concept in the state.

Congress, which entered into a poll pact with Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) and Left parties for the first time, received major reverses and rebellion while ruling TDP and its electoral ally BJP were not spared from the dissent bug with cadres washing their dirty linen in public and in full media glare.

"This has been a new concept for us. We have many aspirants who have worked with people in their respective constituencies and it is natural for them to get upset when the seat goes to the ally under the pact," state Congress president D Srinivas said.

 TRS, which has gained a good ground by arousing sentiments of separate statehood too is not immune to dissent as the cadre expected that the party will contest on its own.

With TRS leadership agreeing to play the role of a junior partner, tempers ran high and allegations were hurled and the monolithic structure was badly shaken before party president K Chandrasekhar Rao took up some damage control measures.

Congress workers went on a rampage in a couple of places and the negative publicity prompted party high command to depute senior leaders Vayalar Ravi and Gulam Nabi Azad to pacify the irate leaders and work out an amicable solution with TRS.

"It takes some time to digest the concept of coalition and this being a family matter will be sorted out," Ravi said.

TDP on the other hand has been harping on discipline and has been trying to convince its cadre by showing the 'social justice card'. BJP workers, who went berserk on leaving out Malakpet seat, were pacified by senior leaders.