Governance reforms and the politics of development: A case analysis of Andhra Pradesh

The triumph of neo-liberalism within development thinking has not only meant that there is a global acceptance of the benefits of a market economy but also that governance reforms must be accepted by all aid receiving countries. The role of the state is therefore by no means minimal rather it is a redefined state, one that intervenes strategically to aid transition to and maintenance of a market economy. In this context it is then interesting to look at the state of Andhra Pradesh which under the stewardship of Chandrababu Naidu initiated governance reforms at the behest of the World Bank. Naidu who negotiated a World Bank loan for initiating reforms also undertook governance reforms. Apart from various e-governance initiatives the element of government accountability was best displayed when Naidu undertook periodic rounds of the Janamabhoomi program. Janamabhoomi itself marked a shift in state delivery of public services. With its focus on involving stakeholders in the process of development it was an attempt to create a public image of good governance while simultaneously withdrawing from various key sectors of development. This paper then attempts to highlight this particular hiatus between governance reforms and delivery of public services such that more of one may actually be used to camouflage or justify less of the other. The dominant development perspective has successfully changed the terms of discourse from development to governance with political parties/leaders harnessing both for electoral gain