Congress and the 'grand alliance' of TDP, TRS, CPI-M and CPI are expected to be locked in a direct contest for electoral supremacy in Andhra Pradesh with Praja Rajyam Party likely to emerge as a dark horse with its chief Chiranjeevi hoping to do an Obama with his 'change' mantra.

Though players like BJP and Lok Satta Party of bureaucrat-turned-politician N Jayaprakash Narayan are also in the fray for the May 16 Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, analysts say their impact is not likely to be significant and the main fight will be essentially among Congress, the 'grand alliance' and Praja Rajyam Party (PRP).

While Congress is readying itself to fight the elections on the 'development-welfare', the 'grand alliance' has a host of issues ranging from corruption to Telangana. On the other hand, Chiranjeevi is harping on 'change'.

Andhra Pradesh could well decide who would form the next government in New Delhi, according to the analysts.

By sending as many as 33 members to the Lok Sabha in 2004, the Andhra Pradesh electorate helped Congress form a government at the Centre in the company of other political party in a big way.

But the 'grand alliance', claiming itself as the 'third alternative', is bent on spoiling the chances of the ruling Congress by “exposing its failures”.

Equally bent is PRP, which might well give a tough fight to both Congress and the 'grand alliance' by splitting their votes in most pockets in the state.

But PRP's aspirations may actually come a cropper if it fails to secure a common symbol for all its candidates.

... contd.