Pink Slip

If ever there was a *decisive* mandate, then Andhra Pradesh is it. Election Results were out yesterday and the TDP has been thrashed. They've managed to secure about one fourth of the seats they won last time. The INC haswon 188 seats. So YSR is most likely to be CM and Mr Naidu is without a job.

Most people are surprised at the mandate. He brought in IT, development, laptops, buzzwords to Andhra Pradesh. He was responsible for some of the most futuristic reforms in the country. He thought of himself as the CEO of AP. And maybe that was the problem. Hyderabad developed, the educated classes became prosperous. But the coastal regions, the farmers all suffered. The worst droughts, farmers commiting suicide.. these horrors went by largely unnoticed. And there lay Naidu's failing. He worked for rich, the educated, the ambitious. He worked for the future. while the present languished. Hyderabad Shined for only a few. And the majority has spoken.

It's sad that he failed, but maybe our politicians will learn from both his successes and failures.. Here's to you Mr Naidu.. One of our few honest, futuristic, intelligent, modern politicians... We need more men like you!