Pawan Kalyan’s statement about supporting TDP despite NDA membership raises questions. Learn the implications for Andhra Pradesh politics.
In a political move that has stirred speculation and intrigue, actor-turned-politician and Jana Sena Party (JSP) chief, Pawan Kalyan, made a statement indicating support for the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) while being a part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). This development has ignited discussions about the future of Andhra Pradesh politics.
Pawan Kalyan’s Remark and Speculation:
On October 4, Pawan Kalyan was reported as saying, “I came out of NDA to support the TDP. The TDP is a strong party, and Andhra Pradesh needs its governance for the development of the state.” His statement hinted at an exit from the BJP-led NDA, raising questions about the dynamics of political alliances in the region.
Kalyan emphasized the significance of the TDP’s role in Andhra Pradesh, especially during the current challenges it faces. Chandrababu Naidu, the former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and TDP chief, was recently arrested in connection with a skill development scam. Kalyan stated that if the Jana Sena Party and the TDP collaborate, the ruling Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) could face a formidable challenge in the state.
JSP’s Clarification and Ongoing Alliances:
Despite the speculation, sources within the Jana Sena Party clarified that the party has not officially left the NDA. They suggested that Kalyan’s statement was meant to convey support for the TDP while remaining part of the NDA.
The JSP and NDA have maintained an alliance since 2014, while the TDP, which was also part of the NDA, exited the alliance in 2018. Pawan Kalyan had previously proposed an alliance between the Jana Sena Party, TDP, and BJP to contest the 2024 polls against the YSRCP.
However, the BJP has not confirmed whether the TDP would be allowed to rejoin the NDA, leaving the alliance’s future uncertain.
BJP’s Perspective:
A senior BJP functionary, speaking on the condition of anonymity, conveyed that Pawan Kalyan’s initial association with the NDA was primarily to bring the TDP closer to its former ally and derive benefits from the alliance. The BJP maintained that its doors are open for those who wish to be part of the alliance, but individuals or parties are free to make their own decisions. From the BJP’s standpoint, there is neither a gain nor a loss associated with Kalyan’s recent statement.
It’s essential to note that the Jana Sena Party had not officially announced a break from the NDA. Kalyan had attended an NDA meeting in New Delhi on July 18, where he expressed his support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision.
As the political landscape in Andhra Pradesh continues to evolve, Pawan Kalyan’s statement has added a layer of complexity, leaving political analysts and observers closely monitoring the developments to discern the ultimate implications for the state’s political future.