TDP waiting with fingers crossed for formal invitation into NDA: Pawan Kalyan, Naidu off to Delhi

If Naidu joins the NDA, it would mark the return of the proverbial prodigal son. He was affiliated with the BJP during his successful 2014 electoral campaign in Andhra Pradesh. However, in 2018, he parted ways with the NDA, expressing dissatisfaction over the BJP’s failure to fulfil its promise of granting special category status to Andhra Pradesh.

Post his departure from the NDA, Naidu vehemently criticised Modi on the special category status matter, driven by the desire to outmanoeuvre YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, who was gaining ground by criticising Naidu’s compromise on the special category status. The 2019 elections proved disastrous for Naidu as Jagan Mohan Reddy emerged victorious, decimating the TDP.

Since Naidu’s electoral defeat, much has transpired. As the 2024 general elections loom, Naidu eagerly awaits a return to the NDA.

Also Read: TDP-JSP’s 10-point declaration for Backward Classes

Will Naidu be invited to the NDA meeting?

Reliable sources within the TDP suggest that Jana Sena Party chief Pawan Kalyan and Chandrababu Naidu will embark on a trip to Delhi on Thursday. Naidu, according to sources, wishes to be present in Delhi if the BJP asks him to attend the NDA meeting. TDP sources anticipate that Pawan Kalyan will advocate for the TDP’s inclusion in the NDA in the coming days.

Meanwhile, BJP state president D Purandeswari headed to Delhi on Wednesday, 6 March, after being summoned by the party leadership. Sources indicate that, in addition to assessing the party’s status ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, discussions will revolve around the pros and cons of forming an alliance with Chandrababu Naidu.

Purandeshwari is also likely to advocate for the TDP’s inclusion in the NDA for various reasons. Firstly, it would help the BJP establish a foothold in Andhra Pradesh, where its current presence is negligible. Having a few MLAs and MPs is certainly better than having none, especially considering the party’s dismal performance in the 2019 elections, where it failed to secure even one percent of the votes.

Moreover, on a personal note, Chandrababu Naidu is her sister Bhuvaneswari’s husband.

TDP leaders are confident that the BJP will ultimately play ball, as bringing the TDP into the NDA would be advantageous for them. Naidu’s return to the NDA could be framed as a strengthening of the NDA, countering the apparent strains within the INDA bloc due to contradictions among its constituents.

If the TDP rejoins the NDA, it would become the second major regional party to do so after JD(U) -resident and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s recent return to the NDA.

Also Read: YSRCP set to unveil manifesto on 10 March

What TDP thinks of the situation

A senior TDP leader, who did not want to be named, told South First, “I have a gut feeling that in the first fortnight of this month, the TDP would be in the NDA.” According to him, Home Minister Amit Shah is in favour of inclusion of the TDP in the NDA.

In February, Amit Shah and BJP president JP Nadda met with Naidu in Delhi. Although details of the meeting remain a well-guarded secret, there is speculation that the ice has started to melt and Naidu could secure a place in the NDA.

Party leaders believe that the only stumbling block is the Prime Minister, who has yet to give his approval. “I have information that Modi is not as stubborn as he was in the past in the NDA. He has, over a period of time, mellowed down a lot. An alliance with Chandrababu Naidu will be in the BJP’s interest. The saffron party can hope to win a couple of Assembly seats and a few Lok Sabha seats if they strike an alliance,” the TDP leader said.

Similar sentiments are echoed by Jana Sena Party leaders, with one important leader expressing directly to South First that the BJP will eventually agree to an alliance. The BJP is aware of the shifting public opinion in favour of the TDP-JSP combine and recognises the strategic advantage of being on their side.

He, however, did not rule out the possibility of the BJP playing hardball, even if they are generally favourable to an alliance. It’s speculated that the BJP may be waiting for Naidu to express a more fervent desire for an alliance, enabling them to negotiate a significant number of Lok Sabha and Assembly seats. The BJP has already indicated its willingness to cooperate if at least five Lok Sabha seats are offered, namely Visakhapatnam, Eluru, Rajahmundry, Tirupati, and Rajampet.

The party aims to win these seats with the support of the TDP-Jana Sena alliance, potentially settling for around seven to eight Assembly seats. While the BJP’s national leadership may not be overly concerned about Assembly seats, the Andhra Pradesh unit sees them as crucial for laying the foundation of its future growth.

Also Read: Why is TDP keen on aligning with BJP despite the heavy price it comes with?

When all parties in AP favour Modi

TDP leaders are cautiously watching the political manoeuvring of the BJP, recognising the smoke and mirrors game in progress. While the BJP currently has little to offer to the TDP-JSP combine, it appears to be taking its time.

Although Naidu’s entry into the NDA is contingent on Prime Minister Modi’s approval, the advantages it offers to the BJP may make the process less arduous than anticipated, according to the TDP leader’s assessment.

The TDP is keen on joining the NDA, seeking the support of the prominent big brother Narendra Modi against the formidable YS Jagan. In addition to providing moral strength, an alliance with the BJP, anticipated to return to power at the Centre once again, would act as a deterrent against potential election malpractices by Jagan Mohan Reddy.