Chandrababu Naidu's body language and what it tells us about AP elections

One of the most well-known leaders of the country Chandrababu Naidu has fought many elections, mostly as the supreme leader of Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and a chief minister aspirant. If one were to observe his conduct before the elections or on the polling day, he has almost always been restrained and non-rebellious. However, the body language of the three-time Chief Minister in the 2019 general and assembly elections campaign is very different.

24 hours prior to the polling day, Naidu staged a dharna in Amaravati criticising the decisions of the Election Commission of India. Before that, he met the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) in his office. One of the members of the TDP delegation recorded what was happening inside the chambers. An aggressive Naidu was seen talking to the CEO in a stern tone, conveying his concerns. This clip was later circulated by TDP members. On the polling day, three hours after the commencement of polling, Naidu demanded a re-election. A rare sight considering no party leader will make such a demand since there will be a perception that they are afraid of defeat.

A psephologist, who regularly conducts surveys and is also a researcher on Indian politics, spoke on the condition of anonymity, “Since 1990, no leader who sat on a protest before polling has won the elections. This has been the trend in India till now. I am not saying what he did is right or wrong, but this will send a wrong signal to the cadre and the voters that he is on the verge of defeat."

In Guntur and Kurnool districts, TDP leaders protested and complained that YSRCP candidates were resorting to malpractice.

On the other hand, YSRCP leadership has been maintaining a cool demeanour. YSRCP president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy and other leaders seem to be satisfied with the way elections are being held.