From the archive record
The electoral verdict in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka may have major ramification in shaping the country's immediate political scenario. The fact that local issues dominated these elections was evident from the manifestos of most of the major political parties in the fray and the observers were quick to point out the blatantly populous nature some of the poll promises. In Andhra Pradesh however, the congress match the populism of the TDP with its own version of subsidised rice distribution. This would be available to the poor family who send their children to school. Political commentator are already sketching various scenarios of the result. The result will have important lessons for the opposition as well. According to analyst in case the BJP loses both Andhra and Karnataka, it will be