Can Naidu ever become CM again?

Telugu Desam Party president Nara Chandrababu Naidu has crossed yet another major milestone in his life on Tuesday: he has completed his “sashtipurthi” (60 years of age).

A large number of party workers, leaders and supporters, besides the entire Nandamuri family turned up at his residence in Jubilee hills and greeted him on his birthday. Outside his house, there was a big celebration with party workers beating drums, dancing and burning crackers.

All this was okay; but there was also a talk among the party leaders at the street corner as to whether Naidu would ever be able to come back to power. Many party leaders are hopeful that the TDP would definitely stage a comeback to power in the next general elections, provided Naidu changed his mindset and lead the party in proper direction. “The sudden death of YSR and the anointment of K Rosaiah as the chief minister are definitely positive signals for the TDP. But Naidu should be able to cash in on the same and give the party a proper direction,” a senior party leader said.

However, the double standards of Naidu on the Telangana issue has caused some damage to the party in the Telangana region, but the party leaders said he had taken a correct stand, since he cannot afford to lose the cadres in any one region. “He is confident about the position of his party.

He recently addressed a batch of TRS workers and expressed his opinion that the Telengana statehood issue has both political and mass implication. He clarified that the party would respect the wishes of the people and act accordingly. He is trying to maintain a balance,” the party leader said.

Yet, it is still four years to go and if the Congress consolidates its position with the entry of Y S Jaganmohan Reddy, it is difficult for Naidu to stage a comeback. “The CM post is still a distant dream for him,” party sources said.