C PRADEEP KUMAR
JanaSena chief Pawan Kalyan’s recent disagreement with TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu over the allocation of two seats has sparked speculation about a possible Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) strategy to sow discord between the two political parties.
Media reports suggest that there is a potential risk of Pawan Kalyan severing ties with the TDP if the alleged BJP national leadership’s plan materialises.
Sources indicate that Pawan Kalyan may be summoned to New Delhi in the coming days
for discussions. Before that, he may also meet with Union Home Minister Amit Shah during his visit to Hyderabad on Sunday.
While Pawan seeks clarity from the BJP regarding their alliances, there are indications that the party’s national leadership is urging him to break away from the TDP and contest the elections independently in collaboration with the BJP.
According to BJP’s assessment, the number of seats the Jana Sena Party could secure in the upcoming elections would be consistent, regardless of whether it allies with the TDP
or not. There is a belief that the party might even perform better if it contests independently.
The BJP argues that in the event of significant anti incumbency against the YSRCP, the public may reject it even without a TDP-Jana Sena alliance. In such a scenario, the TDP could come to power, and Chandrababu Naidu would likely support the Modi government.
Regardless of whether Jagan or Naidu secures power, the situation for the Jana Sena would
remain largely unchanged. If the TDP assumes power, Pawan Kalyan’s party may find it challenging to grow as a political force, hindering his aspirations of becoming the chief minister. Conversely, if Jagan retains power, it could mark the end for the TDP.
Observers predict that the Jagan government might face challenges over the next five
years, potentially collapsing by 2029. This would provide the Jana Sena with an opportunity to replace the TDP as a viable alternative force.
Sources suggest that the BJP’s national leadership might present these arguments to influence Pawan Kalyan’s decision. However, it remains uncertain whether the charismatic leader will be swayed by this perspective or opt to align with the TDP with the primary goal of opposing Jagan.
Responding to speculations about a rift between the TDP and JSP over seat sharing, BJP
National Secretary Y Satya Kumar dismissed such claims, attributing them to media speculation.
He emphasised that the JSP is an alliance partner of the BJP, assuring that political developments would be revealed in due course while refraining from commenting on seatsharing specifics.
