Why Non-Resident Andhra voters in Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad are crucial for TDP

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The NRAs impact

In a shocking turn of events for the TDP, on 9 September 2023, in the early hours, Naidu was arrested in connection with the Andhra Pradesh Skill Development Scam, accused of ₹370 crores of corruption.

Immediately, protests erupted in some parts of Andhra Pradesh and even Hyderabad. Surprisingly, the protests also occurred in cities such as Bengaluru and Chennai. Although these protests were reportedly part of TDP’s call, the number of people joining the protest was unexpectedly high, surprising the party functionaries.

Sources suggest that the protests pressured the respective state governments to respond to Naidu’s arrest, especially considering their lack of response. Additionally, the protests aimed to demonstrate the TDP’s strength to the BJP and encourage it to join the TDP alliance in Andhra.

This move portrays the potential benefit for the BJP in other neighbouring states, particularly in Telangana, where elections were scheduled in two months. However, it appears that the BJP remained unimpressed and aligned with only Jana Sena in the Telangana elections. This marked the first time on Telugu soil that the TDP was not contesting in the general assembly elections.

బెంగళూరు టీడీపీ ఫోరం సమావేశంలో పాల్గొన్న చంద్రబాబు గారు#CBNinBangalore#NaraChandrababuNaidu pic.twitter.com/ZJQusFG1Wu

— Telugu Desam Party (@JaiTDP) 28 December 2023 

But what is a blessing in disguise is the addition to the TDP’s outreach to the NRAs, whom the party now considers a formidable vote share.

All these IT professionals, constituting a significant voting bloc in Andhra Pradesh, possess a digital presence and influence in their hometowns, particularly in the villages. Reaching out to them is a worthwhile endeavour for the TDP, given its desperate bid to assume power. In contrast, the seemingly confident YSRCP has not reported such events in neighbouring cities.

According to reports, Hyderabad has the highest number of Andhra voters residing, followed by Bengaluru and Chennai, with a total of 30 to 40 lakh.

Also Read: Eyes on Andhra Pradesh poll, Congress asks ex-leaders to return ‘home’, looks to induct YS Sharmila

The TDP connect 

“The NRAs, similar to NRIs residing in other parts of the state or country, generally lean towards leader-centric and sentimental issues, unlike mass voters who prioritise local concerns, schemes, and governance. This trend could be attributed to their limited local connections and reliance on online portals and channels for information,” says Dr G Veerraju, the head of the Political Science Department at Andhra University.

Dr Veerraju added, “Very few among these NRAs delve into in-depth issues. Any arrest of a political leader becomes a sensitive issue dealing with sentiments. In the case of Naidu, it gained traction, especially as he is perceived as a leader for metropolitan cities, akin to a pioneer of IT.”

Tejaswi Podapati, the head of the TDP Professional wing, stated, “We merely provided a platform to protest, but the response was enormous as IT professionals connected over Naidu’s detention, participating without any other vested interests. IT professionals could discern the political motives behind it and rallied in support of the TDP.”

“During this time, our WhatsApp groups were inundated, and we now regularly stay in touch with more than 10,000 members, sharing party activities in the three cities,” Tejaswi added.

Dear IT Professionals ,

PALLEKU PODAM- నా ఊరు .. నా రాష్ట్రం.. నా బాధ్యత

This long weekend lets all show our solidarity from our villages and hometowns , its time for us to Stand for our state and for the leader who has dedicated his life for us and our state for 45 Years. pic.twitter.com/qd9uF1OgEm

— Telugu Professionals Wing (@TDPProfessional) 29 September 2023

Notably, aside from rallies, the TDP organised a concept called “Palleku Podam” (Let’s go to the village) from 29 September to 2 October. During this initiative, NRAs had to travel to villages and advocate in favour of the party. This move aims to polarise support among professional members who wield digital influence and in village connectivity.

Tejaswi highlighted that more such campaigns are planned for Andhra Pradesh, with the next one scheduled around Sankranti.

However, Prof E Venkatesu from the Political Science Department at the University of Hyderabad and a member of CSDS Lokniti noted that there is no homogeneity in terms of support for the TDP among NRAs, as they come from different sections, including skilled and service sectors.

He added, “The outreach through the NRAs should be seen with nuance, as many local voters seek long-term relations and personal touch or may consider NRAs as political tourists. It depends on the connection and the issues taken up by them.”

Also Read: After Telangana poll results, TDP looks to anti-incumbency as YSRCP dissects BRS defeat

Wooing NRAs

As much talked about as the NRIs funding or support to political parties, the NRAs play a key role, especially those who migrated out of state with wealth for further aspirations.

While many may remain neutral or inclined towards the respective party aligned with their caste, Prof Veerraju says that without discussing caste, the political discussion about Andhra Pradesh is void.

“Any activity in and around them driven by the community inclined NRA sympathisers is an advantage as they might influence to join the neutrals or wealthy NRAs to the political clout or interest group,” Prof Veeraju added.

“All this helps political parties gain the financial or technical support that a party desperately seeks,” Veeraju concluded.

“With the media-driven and digital campaigns playing a key role in the elections, there will also be the glorification, mobilising supporting in their respective platforms by the NRAs who join the interest groups of political parties,” Prof Venkatesu highlighted.

Finally, the impact NRAs could have on forthcoming Andhra elections is evident, considering their numbers, influence back home, and digital footprint, which can shape narratives and thoughts. However, the extent of their impact and the magnitude of polarisation remains to be seen.