Congress party has fallen flat before the sentiments of scores of people in many constituencies. Right from day one of election campaign, Congress party was confident of winning couple of seats if not a clean sweep. However, it looked like people in many constinues want to send a strong message that they were not in favour of the ruling party.

The experts are of the opinion that following might be the reasons behind the downfall of Congress party in bypolls to 18 assembly constituencies in AP and one Lok Sabha seat.

Political charisma of YSR:  Late YSR had a political charisma and during the time when people were reportedly fed up with capitalist moves of the then chief minister of Andhra Pradesh, Chandrababu Naidu, YS Rajashekara Reddy went into the public with padayatra. He not only enquired the problems of the people but shouldered the responsibility of Congress party in the state. And now that Congress went against late YSR's son, all those who liked YSR followed the foot steps of Jaganmohan Reddy.

Sympathy for Jagan: Those who were actually in a dilemma whether to vote for Congress or YSRCP titled towards the latter after they were moved by the statements made by Jagan's mother YS Vijayamma. She said she lost her husband and her son was put behind the bars.

Rise in prices: Rise in prices of essential commidities too was one of the reasons behind YSRCP's victory in by-polls. Since YSRCP was taking on government very strongly, people looking for a change or an alternative used their voting weapon to send across strong signals to Delhi.

So, Congress party should now look into winning the confidence of the public instead of taking on the opposition parties. In case the same situation continues, Congress is likely to be wiped out of AP forever.

(Wishesh Phani)