Will TDP-Jana Sena Alliance Expose Chinks in TDP’s Armour?

Telugu Desam Party (TDP) joined hands with Pawan Kalyan-led Jana Sena Party (JSP) to contest the 2024 Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections together. However, the alliance is making several TDP candidates worried , because as part of a pre-poll pact, the party leadership might allocate their seats to its Jana Sena ally. 

As many TDP leaders are aspiring for tickets this time, the TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu might have to do damage control as the difference among the party’s rank and file will come to  the fore ahead of elections. Will the TDP candidates vacate their seats for their party’s election partner?

The state minister Karumuri Venkata Nageswara Rao, the sitting MLA from Tanuku constituency, defeated the TDP candidate Arimilli Radha Krishna in the previous Assembly elections. Expectedly, Arimilli is hoping for the party ticket. 

A few months ago, Jana Sena leader Pawan Kalyan had launched a Varahi Yatra, mass contact moment. During his visit to Tanuku, Pawan Kalyan’s announcement that he would field Vidivada Ramachandra Rao from Tanuku constituency raised eyebrows. The Jana Sena leader had made the statement when there was no pre-poll agreement with the TDP. However, Ramachandra Rao’s consistent claim to the assembly seat is bothering Arimilli, who is also claiming that he would contest the upcoming elections from the same assembly segment. 

Recently, Jana Sena leader Ramachandra Rao fell on the feet of Chandrababu Naidu and sought his blessings while the latter had taken out a rally after his release from the Rajahmundry central prison and arrived in Tanuku. Arimilli also welcomed the party leader, however, Naidu reportedly did not reciprocate his gesture. Political analysts believe that the TDP chief dropped enough hints to Arimilli that the Tanuku seat would be allocated to Pawan Kalyan’s party. Undeterred by Naidu’s meek response, Arimilli continues to claim that he’s the party’s candidate from Tanuku constituency. 

Also Read: All You Want to Know About Cases Against Naidu and Their Status Updates