The Hindu Business Line : Pro-reform Govts faced the wrath, says Naidu

DEVELOPMENT agenda-driven and reforming States were the worst affected in the polls and had to face the voters wrath due to anti-incumbency which has brought in changes across the country, Mr N. Chandrababu Naidu, TDP President and former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, said.

Addressing a press conference here today, Mr Naidu said that prima facie several measures taken for the upliftment of poor and to bring in parity with reforms seem to have had adverse affect as reflected from States such as Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka. Only Bihar and Orissa seem to have bucked this trend.

"We had extended outside support to the National Democratic Alliance and continue to support. Local factors will be analysed threadbare and see how one can balance welfare and development. The gaps in the system will have to be plugged."

While wishing good luck to the elected representatives, Mr Naidu said: "we will play the role of a responsible Opposition since the will of the people is ultimate. It is clear that all of us failed to gauge the pulse of the people. Though we lost, the difference is few percentage between the winner and the loser, this reflects continued support of the people."

"With the NDA at the Centre, we had the best of support from the Vajpayee Government. During three consecutive drought years, the State was provided with 55 lakh tonnes of rice that could be effectively deployed for the welfare of the people during the tough period. The development initiatives undertaken by the State Government have brought the State into focus."

When asked whether his decision was premature to dissolve the House and call for early polls, Mr Naidu said that it was not proper to say so since at that point of time that looked as the most appropriate move. But the delay in holding elections also did have a big impact on the overall outcome.

Expressing sympathy to two supporters who committed suicide unable to bear the TDP's debacle, Mr Naidu said winning and losing in polls is part of life and they need to take this situation with boldness. When asked to comment on free power, Mr Naidu said: "it was not appropriate for him to comment. We have to wait and watch how this is implemented."

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