They may be fervently fighting for their positions for leadership. As the Telangana issue rages on, it is unclear who is genuinely concerned about the well-being of the people they wish to lead.

Anantapur and Kadapa districts saw flash protests from Samaikhya Andhra or the United Andhra Joint Action Committee (JAC) on Thursday. These protests scream against a bifurcation to the State. Students in Kadapa tried to intimidate the district collector's office against the backdrop of reducing support for such campaigns among the public. The protestors criticized political leaders for keeping a secret the Centre's probable decision to bifurcate the state.

At the same time, TRS leader KCR does not want anyone to believe what the Centre is saying. He says it is a cat and mouse being played to avoid a final decision. Still, some members of the party remain optimistic.

While Jagan languishes in jail, his sister YS Sharmila completed the 200th day of her Maro Praja Prasthanam yatra. Health issues will not deter her in trying to increase support for Jagan and YSRCP.

TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu has also undertaken Vastunna Mee Kosam yatra to gain attention from voters. Both TDP and TRS have commonly highlighted how the Congress government is not able to care for the Telugu victims in the flood ravaged Uttarkhand.

Among all these fights for votes, what are the leaders promising if elected? KCR intends to ban all Andhra news papers and channels in Hyderabad, deport Andhra employees from the Secretariat and take back lands holdings in Hyderabad currently owned by Seemandhra leaders. Jagan wants to revamp the state police with the inclusion of Kadapa faction rowdies and privatize mining activities. Chandrababu Naidu on his part promises to waive all loans of farmers, ban belt liquor shops and provide drinking water for everyone.

It remains to be seen if any welfare is really meant for the people or is simply a means to an end.

(AW:Sruthi)