Chandrababu Naidu is euphoric over UP election results. On the face of it, there is no connection between TDP and SP, besides the same election symbol – the cycle. However, the TDP chief inferred the party’s victory ahead in UP outcome, stating that like SP, his party too would romp home in the next general elections.

Talking informally to reporters in the Assembly on Tuesday, Naidu said that the national parties are losing support among people, and that the regional parties are gaining ground. SP has been a party to reckon with for a long time now, has credibility and hence was backed by people, he said, suggesting that TDP too shared these characteristics.

The loss of face for Congress seems to be particularly to the liking of the Opposition Leader, who said that Congress would be wiped out from the state too. The BJP also failed to capture the mood of the people in UP, he added.

He was particularly pleased when a reporter asked whether it would be “Lokesh in AP” as it was “Akhilesh in UP”.

The PCC Chief Botsa Satyanarayana reacted sharply to Naidu’s diatribe. He said there was nothing to suggest that TDP would even secure second position in the by-polls for the 24 seats in the state. Claiming that Congress fared very well in terms of percentage of votes, he said the party would further improve in the coming months.

Meanwhile, commenting on the outcome of elections to five Assemblies, Lok Satta Party President Dr Jayaprakash Narayan said that they reflected people’s anger against paralysis in governance and widespread corruption. People are seeking corruption-free and effective governance.

He called upon national political parties to realize the political fragmentation under way in the country and initiate political and electoral reforms to restore people’s confidence in the system.