The lion no longer roars

The political future of former PCC chief Botcha Satyanarayana has become a topic of intense discussion. Following the bifurcation of the State, a majority of the Congress leaders in Seemandhra have left the party.

Botcha’s supporters also abandoned him, unwilling to take the risk in a deserted house. It is not the failures of the Congress governments, but the Samaikyandhra movement and the curfew that was clamped on Vizianagaram during the agitation that have marred his reputation, analysts said. Moreover, it is widely believed that his wife and Vizianagaram MP also did not act in favour of Samaikyandhra agitation and this has further tarnished his reputation. People blame Botcha for the imposition of curfew.

Botcha’s political acumen and the pomp and show that he displayed while in power as minister and PCC chief have become a bane for him. He is now left with not even a handful of leaders and supporters.

Observers say that it is strange that Botcha, who held sway in the district politics for nearly 10 years, has not been playing an active role in even the Zilla Parishad elections recently. He is well known for his behind-the-scenes activity though the chairman post is reserved for the SCs. He has been maintaining a low profile despite being aware that the Congress has not been finding any candidate to field in the Zilla Parishad elections in his own area even after being told that the party would bear the election expenditure.

Congress MLAs Janardhan Thatraj, P Rajanna Dora and Savarapu Jayamani have recently quit the Congress. Bobbili MLA Sujay Krishna Rangarao left the party some time ago. Bellana Chandra Sekhar and Meesala Varahala Naidu, who were said to be Botcha’s supporters, also left the Congress.

Analysts blame Botcha himself for the current state of affairs. Family rule, alleged control over the government officials and his name figuring prominently in the sand mining and liquor scams have all contributed to this, the analysts opined.