Prior to the Lok Sabha elections, TDP leader Chandrababu Naidu could rejoin the NDA. Sources indicate that an announcement could be made soon, focusing on the crucial issue of seat-sharing under discussion. The distribution with Pawan Kalyan's Jana Sena Party is also being negotiated, sources suggest a potential deal with 18 seats for the TDP, 2 for the Jana Sena, and 5 for the BJP. The TDP is reportedly agreeable to this formula, given the 25 Lok Sabha seats in Andhra Pradesh.
Chandrababu Naidu's constant meetings with the BJP leadership signal potential political shifts, as he could rejoin the NDA. His party TDP has prior BJP alliance experience, and Naidu's ministerial background adds to this narrative.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently projected in the Parliament a significant victory for the BJP in the forthcoming elections, anticipating over 400 seats for the NDA with the BJP itself securing 370. The BJP is strategizing to achieve this 400-plus seat target.
An India Today and C Voter 'Mood of the Nation' survey shows NDA gaining in North India while an INDIA alliance could gain in the South. The BJP is thus sharpening its focus on southern states.
Focusing on Southern Seats: BJP's Strategy
With Lok Sabha seats numbering 129 across 5 southern states (Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana), Andhra Pradesh alone offers 25 seats. According to survey data, a formidable upset by Chandrababu Naidu is visible as TDP is projected to win 17 seats. While YSRCPled by Jagan Mohan Reddy might get 8 seats, the BJP is expected to face a setback, which can turn into a benefit if Naidu aligns with the NDA.
Naidu's Previous Severance from the NDA
It's noteworthy that Chandrababu Naidu had parted ways with the NDA before the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, demanding special status for his state and thus breaking a 20-year-old alliance with the BJP.
