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Andhra Pradesh: TDP-JSP-BJP Alliance In The Works Prior To Lok Sabha Elections?

Telugu Desam Party (TDP) president N Chandrababu Naidu met with Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP president JP Nadda on Thursday, sparking speculation about a potential alliance between the two parties for the upcoming Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh. This marks the second meeting between Mr. Naidu and Mr. Shah in as many months.

Another round of discussions between TDP and BJP is scheduled to take place in Delhi today. An official announcement regarding the alliance is expected within the next day or two.

The TDP was a significant member of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) until 2018. Then, Mr Naidu, the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, chose to exit due to concerns about financial support for the state. As elections approach, both parties are willing to consider joining forces, pending a mutually acceptable seat-sharing agreement.

According to reports, the main focus of the discussions centred on the potential alliance and the details of seat distribution. While both parties are open to collaboration, the ultimate decision depends on resolving differences regarding the number of seats each party would contest.

Andhra Pradesh has 25 Lok Sabha and 175 Assembly seats. The BJP is reportedly interested in contesting eight to ten parliamentary constituencies. However, if an alliance is formed, the BJP may agree to contest five to six Lok Sabha seats. In this scenario, the Pawan Kalyan-led Jana Sena Party (JSP) would contest three seats, while the TDP would retain the rest.

The BJP is reportedly eyeing key constituencies such as Vizag, Vijayawada, Araku, Rajampet, Rajahmundry, Tirupati, and other locations. Projections suggest they secure 4-6 seats. Meanwhile, the Jana Sena Party might secure three seats, including Machilipatnam for Balashowree.

The Jana Sena Party (JSP), a former NDA member, has allied with the TDP and actively encourages the BJP to do the same. Mr Kalyan himself attended the meeting with Mr Shah. The JSP has already been allocated three Lok Sabha and 24 Assembly seats.

The BJP, aiming for a decisive victory in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, is focused on expanding the NDA. With a goal of winning 370 seats independently and 400 with allies, the party views partnering with regional parties aligned with its agenda as essential for success. Apart from Andhra Pradesh, the BJP is also anticipated to announce a poll pact with the Naveen Patnaik-led Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in Odisha.

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