Amaravati:
When Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy entered politics in 2009, he was seen as the heir to his father, then Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy. As a young MP, he enjoyed immense popularity across Andhra Pradesh. However, his father’s untimely demise in a helicopter crash changed the course of his life and career.
Following YSR’s death, Jagan’s aspirations to become Chief Minister were thwarted by Congress president Sonia Gandhi. This led to a fallout with the Congress, prompting Jagan to embark on his “Odarpu Yatra” to console families who had lost loved ones grieving for his father. The Congress leadership, unable to tolerate Jagan’s defiance, expelled him from the party and unleashed central agencies like the CBI and ED against him.
It was during this turbulent phase that Jagan emerged as a hero in the eyes of Andhra’s youth. Defying the Congress, launching his own YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), braving jail time, and fighting for a united Andhra Pradesh in Parliament elevated Jagan’s image as a rebel leader and a fighter. His charisma played a crucial role in his ascent to the Chief Minister’s office in 2019.
A Disconnect with the Youth?
Fast forward to 2024, and the once-unshakable bond between Jagan and the youth appears to have weakened significantly. The very demographic that rallied behind him in 2019 now seems disillusioned. After taking office, Jagan largely retreated to the confines of his Tadepalli residence, abandoning the mass outreach that had defined his earlier political journey. This lack of connection has led to a noticeable decline in his popularity among the youth.
TDP and Jana Sena’s Focus on the Youth
Meanwhile, opposition parties like the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Jana Sena have capitalized on this gap. TDP chief N. Chandrababu Naidu, despite his age, has used technology and digital platforms to engage with the youth. His son, Nara Lokesh, embarked on the “Yuvagalam” padayatra to strengthen his appeal. Similarly, Jana Sena leader Pawan Kalyan leveraged his cinematic charisma to connect with young voters, drawing massive crowds with his film-style speeches.
In contrast, Jagan’s aversion to technology and his limited public presence have made him appear disconnected from the realities on the ground. His clashes with the Telugu film industry—a major influence on Andhra Pradesh’s youth—further alienated him from this critical voter base.
Unchanged Approach Post-Elections
Seven months after the elections, there seems to be little change in YSRCP’s approach. While TDP and Jana Sena run over 600 social media pages to shape public opinion and rally the youth, YSRCP struggles to retain its own digital volunteers. Opposition parties continue to bombard Jagan with relentless trolls and memes on social media, keeping the narrative against him alive.
If this trend persists, YSRCP faces an uphill battle in regaining the trust and support of young voters. With the 2024 elections looming closer, the party must rethink its strategy and find ways to re-establish its connection with the youth. Without urgent course correction, YSRCP risks losing its most dynamic and influential voter base.
