Aiming to secure 370 seats independently and a total of 400 with coalition partners, the BJP views collaboration with regional parties aligned with its vision as imperative for electoral success.
The ruling BJP has set an ambitious target of securing over 400 seats in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections, which necessitates alliances with both new and former partners. Amid buzz around Naveen Patnaik’s BJD joining the BJP-led NDA, following the footsteps of the JDU and RLD, there are indications that N Chandrababu Naidu’s Telugu Desam Party (TDP) is on the verge of reuniting with the BJP, six years after parting ways over special category status to Andhra Pradesh.
The TDP was part of the NDA until 2018 when Naidu, then Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, decided to withdraw over concerns regarding financial support for the state. Naidu had even joined hands with the Congress and shared dais in Delhi with Rahul Gandhi.
In 2019, Amit Shah had categorically stated that the doors of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) were “permanently closed” for TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu, labeling him as the “U-turn CM of the country.”
In response, Naidu condemned Shah”s remarks as “high-handed and egoistic behavior,” emphasising that the BJP had betrayed the people of Andhra Pradesh. “Amit Shah is speaking as if somebody is asking him to open the doors,” Naidu had said. “Nobody is asking him. They should remember whom they approached in 2014.” He further asserted that they were not intimidated by threats and attacks. “When we are asking what they have done for the state, instead of replying, they are attacking and threatening us. We are not the one to be afraid,” he said.
However, fast forward to 2024, and the TDP chief is meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP president JP Nadda, sparking speculation about a potential alliance for the upcoming Lok Sabha and simultaneous Assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh. This encounter marks the second such interaction between Naidu and Shah within a short span. Further talks between the TDP and BJP are scheduled to take place in Delhi today, with an official announcement regarding the alliance expected soon.
Reports suggest that discussions primarily centered around the potential alliance and the complexities of seat distribution. While both parties express a willingness to collaborate, the final decision hinges on resolving differences over the allocation of seats. Andhra Pradesh, with its 25 Lok Sabha and 175 Assembly seats, presents a significant battleground. The BJP is reportedly eyeing eight to 10 parliamentary constituencies, although it might settle for fewer if an alliance materializes. In such a scenario, the Pawan Kalyan-led Jana Sena Party (JSP) could contest three seats, leaving the remainder for the TDP. In 2019, the JSP had contested with the support of the Left parties and others and joined hands with the BJP soon after the results.
The BJP is reportedly eyeing key constituencies in Andhra Pradesh, including Vizag, Vijayawada, Araku, Rajampet, Rajahmundry, Tirupati, and one additional location. It is anticipated that the party may secure between 4 to 6 seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
Having already formed an alliance with the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), the JSP, a former NDA member, is actively lobbying for the BJP to join forces as well. Pawan Kalyan himself participated in the meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah. The JSP has already been allocated three Lok Sabha and 24 Assembly seats as part of the alliance.
With aspirations for a resounding victory in the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls, the BJP is diligently working towards expanding the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Aiming to secure 370 seats independently and a total of 400 with coalition partners, the party views collaboration with regional parties aligned with its vision as imperative for electoral success. Apart from Andhra Pradesh, the BJP is working on a pact with the Naveen Patnaik-led Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in Odisha.
Interestingly, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy’s meeting with PM Modi last month focused on the Special Category status for Andhra Pradesh—a longstanding demand of his YSR Congress Party and the TDP.
In 2019, the Lok Sabha elections witnessed the resounding triumph of the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP), securing 22 out of the 25 seats, relegating the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) to merely three seats. The BJP and Congress failed to secure any seats in the state, underscoring the electorate’s inclination towards regional parties.
In the state elections, on the other hand, YSRCP secured 151 seats, TDP 23 seats, and Jana Sena one seat in the 175-member assembly. Despite contesting all 173 seats in the 2019 Assembly election, the BJP failed to secure a single seat in the state.
