The rise of regional parties like the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in the 1980s marked a shift in Andhra Pradesh’s politics from:

National party dominance to regional aspirations
Caste-based politics to development-oriented politics
Rural-focused policies to urban-centric policies
Socialist ideology to market-driven reforms

The correct answer is: a) National party dominance to regional aspirations.

The rise of regional parties like the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in the 1980s marked a shift in Andhra Pradesh’s politics from national party dominance to regional aspirations. The TDP was founded by N. T. Rama Rao, a popular actor and film producer, who was dissatisfied with the Congress Party’s dominance of Andhra Pradesh politics. The TDP’s platform focused on regional issues and aspirations, and it quickly became the most popular party in the state. The TDP’s victory in the 1983 elections marked the beginning of a new era in Andhra Pradesh politics, in which regional parties would play a more prominent role.

The other options are incorrect because:

  • Option b) is incorrect because caste-based politics has been a feature of Andhra Pradesh politics for many years, and the rise of regional parties did not change this.
  • Option c) is incorrect because rural-focused policies have also been a feature of Andhra Pradesh politics for many years, and the rise of regional parties did not change this.
  • Option d) is incorrect because socialist ideology has not been a major feature of Andhra Pradesh politics, and the rise of regional parties did not change this.