Are actor Pawan Kalyan and YS Sharmila going to hand over Telangana government on a platter once again to KCR? Analysts and political pundits say yes, they might as well. Pundits say that they would help KCR in 2013 the way Chandrababu Naidu helped him in 2018.
KCR was facing severe anti-incumbency in 2018 elections. His candidates were booed and jeered everywhere. However, Chandrababu dawned on the scene. He even entered the election fray and along with the Congress, he began campaigning vigorously. This provided ammo to KCR. He began stoking fears of domination by Andhras and said that defeating TDP and Congress was important if Telangana has to retain autonomy in decision making. Thus, Chandrababu has indirectly helped KCR to overcome anti-incumbency and ride back to power.
This time around, Sharmila has entered the fray. Her shrill anti-TRS tirade will only help the TRS in creating a bogey of AP domination. Thus, he will be able to tide over the anti-incumbency again by raking up fears about domination by Andhraites. It may be recalled that despite her protestations of being Khammam’s Kodalu, YS Sharmila is a quintessential Rayalaseemaite. This is a potent handle for KCR to attack AP again and rake up Telangana sentiment.
As for Pawan, he has already said that he would support KCR and the TRS in Telangana. This means, KCR will get a chunk of Andhra votes thanks to Pawan and get Telangana votes courtesy YS Sharmila. No wonder, KCR and the TRS are not targeting YS Sharmila now.
