One PK is Not Enough for Chandrababu Naidu?

Dec 24, 2023, 16:08 IST

Telugu Desam Party (TDP) currently finds itself in a weak position as it looks ahead to upcoming state Assembly elections. The party chief Chandrababu Naidu is making every effort to remain relevant in the electoral politics.

Interestingly, Naidu once opposed the presence of noted election strategist Prashant Kishor, popularly known as PK, operating in Andhra Pradesh. However, his recent meeting with Kishor has sparked buzz across political circles. Some observers note it is characteristic of the TDP leader to bring people, parties and organisations together when it suits his purpose and he later withdraws support once they fulfilled their utility.

The TDP has forged an alliance with Pawan Kalyan’s Jana Sena Party (JSP) months before the assembly elections in the state. Till recently, Naidu was apparently banking on the power of ‘power star’ PK to strengthen the party. What went wrong after he was released on bail in a corruption case. Did he think one PK was not enough to boost his party’s prospects? Why does he need another PK? Previously, the TDP’s spokesperson Lanka Dinakar had asserted ‘TDP is a cadre-based party and it does not need any consultant’s services’. Does that mean the TDP is no longer a cadre-based party?

I-PAC has been working in collaboration with @YSRCParty since last year. Together, we're dedicated to working tirelessly until @ysjagan secures a thumping victory again in 2024 and continues his unwavering efforts to better the lives of the people of Andhra Pradesh.

— I-PAC (@IndianPAC) December 23, 2023

Prashant Kishor termed his meeting with the TDP chief as ‘courtesy meeting’. He said that the meeting was long overdue and he’ll meet the opposition leader again. The election strategist flew to Vijayawada in a private jet accompanied by Naidu’s son Nara Lokesh. The private jet is owned by Rithwik Green Power and Aviation Ltd firm linked to family members of BJP Rajya Sabha MP CM Ramesh. Meanwhile, the Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) clarified that it is ‘working tirelessly until YSRCP secures a thumping victory in 2024 elections’.