Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Jana Sena Party leaders Chandrababu Naidu and Pawan Kalyan unveiled the initial roster of contenders comprising 118 names for the forthcoming Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections, during an announcement on Saturday.
In this election endeavor, Chandrababu Naidu's party is set to contest 151 seats in the assembly polls, leaving the remaining 24 seats for Jana Sena. It is noteworthy that Andhra Pradesh comprises 175 assembly segments.
Among the notable candidacies, Naga Lokesh is slated to vie for victory from Mangalagiri, while the TDP supremo himself will seek election from the Kuppam constituency.
The two leaders clarified that the distribution of seats had been strategically managed to accommodate the BJP in the alliance, should the party opt to join.
"This collaboration is pivotal for the state's future. It marks the initial stride towards a significant endeavor," Naidu expressed during a press briefing held at his residence in Andhra Pradesh, underscoring the significance of the TDP-Janasena alliance.
TDP insiders revealed that ongoing deliberations were being conducted with the BJP to explore the possibility of a pre-poll coalition.
The initial candidate list unveiled comprises 118 nominees, with the TDP endorsing 94 contenders, while its allied party, Jana Sena, secured 24 Assembly tickets, the details of which will be disclosed shortly.
Within the TDP's list of 94 nominees, 23 individuals are newcomers, indicating a blend of seasoned politicians and fresh faces.
Furthermore, among the 24 seats designated for Jana Sena, candidates have been announced for 5 constituencies, namely Nellimarla, Anakapalli, Rajanagaram, Kakinada Rural, and Tenali, with the remaining 19 names set to be unveiled soon.
It is pertinent to note that both the Lok Sabha and Assembly polls are slated to be conducted simultaneously in Andhra Pradesh this year.
