The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has solidified its collaboration with the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) for the forthcoming Lok Sabha and Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections, as disclosed by sources to India Today TV.
According to the sources, the BJP, along with actor-turned-politician Pawan Kalyan's Jana Sena Party (JSP), is set to contest on eight Lok Sabha seats, while the Chandrababu Naidu-led Telugu Desam Party (TDP) will field its candidates on the remaining 17 seats in Andhra Pradesh.
Reuniting with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), the TDP, in conjunction with the Jana Sena Party, is geared up to partake in the Lok Sabha elections scheduled for April-May, as well as the Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections, in alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
As per insider information, the alliance arrangement may entail the BJP contesting on six Lok Sabha seats, with the JSP, under Pawan Kalyan's leadership, vying for two, while the TDP secures the remaining 17 Lok Sabha seats—a reduction from the initially anticipated three seats for the JSP.
In the context of the Andhra Pradesh Assembly, out of the 175 seats, a tentative allocation of 30 seats has been suggested for the BJP and JSP collectively. Considering that 24 seats were already earmarked for the JSP in the previous month, this leaves the BJP with six seats, albeit subject to potential adjustments.
In parallel, the TDP is slated to independently vie for the remaining 145 Assembly seats.
Furthermore, to accommodate the BJP's interests in Andhra Pradesh, there is deliberation regarding the allocation of a Rajya Sabha seat post-election. However, this decision is presently deferred, according to sources familiar with the matter.
A formal declaration regarding the distribution of seats is anticipated shortly. It's noteworthy that both Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh are scheduled to occur concurrently.
Previously, the TDP, which was part of the BJP-led NDA until 2018, withdrew from the alliance following the failure of its demand for special category status for the southern state to materialize.
Addressing the departure from the NDA, TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu stated to reporters in Delhi today, "There were no personal differences. There were political differences. We will work together now."
Responding to queries regarding the purported understanding between the BJP and his rival YSRCP, Naidu emphasized, "They have an understanding on issues, but we have an alliance. There is a difference. Even then, Jagan hasn’t been able to bring the central funds to the state."
