LS Polls: TDP-BJP Alliance In The Cards? Naidu Holds Crucial Talks With Amit Shah

TDP was previously part of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance but withdrew in 2018 during Naidu's tenure as the state's chief minister.

Telugu Desam Party (TDP) president N Chandrababu Naidu held talks with Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday regarding the potential alliance between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the TDP for the upcoming Lok Sabha and Assembly polls in Andhra Pradesh, as reported by the news agency PTI.

TDP was previously part of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance but withdrew in 2018 during Naidu's tenure as the state's chief minister.

BJP president J P Nadda participated in the discussions, with sources stating that both parties are open to collaboration, contingent on reaching a mutually agreeable seat-sharing arrangement, the PTI report said. 

This marks the second meeting between the leaders in as many months, enhancing the likelihood of an alliance. The report said that the TDP leaders highlighted the urgency of finalising the alliance. They further expressed concerns that delayed decisions could create confusion among party workers and supporters as elections approach.

Actor Pawan Kalyan's Jana Sena Party, a former NDA member, has already allied with TDP and is urging the BJP to follow suit. Kalyan also attended the meeting with Shah, following Naidu's discussions with TDP leaders, including MPs.

This development coincides with increasing indications of a potential alliance between the BJP and the Biju Janata Dal in Odisha, as senior leaders from both parties held separate meetings on Wednesday, hinting at a possible collaboration.

Naidu's previous meeting with Shah and BJP president J P Nadda in February fueled speculation about an alliance, although concrete decisions have yet to materialise. Reports suggest differences between the parties regarding the number of seats the BJP would contest in a state where its presence is limited.

With 25 Lok Sabha and 175 Assembly seats in Andhra Pradesh, the BJP aims to contest eight to 10 parliamentary constituencies. TDP sources suggest that in the case of an alliance, BJP may contest five to six Lok Sabha seats, Jana Sena on three, and the remaining seats allocated to TDP.

Complicating matters for the BJP is Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy's unequivocal support for the Modi government's agenda and his positive rapport with senior BJP leaders. The BJP's strategic goal to expand the National Democratic Alliance aligns with its ambitions for a significant victory in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, expected in April-May.