In a strategic move aimed at bolstering the BJP’s presence in Telangana, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a stage with the actor-politician Pawan Kalyan on Tuesday. This event was rich in symbolism as it unfolded in a state where the BJP is actively pursuing an expansion of its political footprint. In a gesture of alliance, the BJP has allotted eight electoral seats to Pawan Kalyan’s Jan Sena Party in the upcoming elections, effectively sidelining Chandrababu Naidu’s Telugu Desam Party.
While Pawan Kalyan’s Jan Sena Party has yet to make a significant impact in the electoral arena, the BJP is banking on his substantial fan base in the state to generate momentum. This strategic move takes place in Telangana, which has been under the rule of K. Chandrasekhar Rao’s Bharat Rashtra Samithi since its inception.
Insiders from the BJP suggest that the party aims to minimize potential losses in Telangana. The party’s electoral prospects are anticipated to be negatively affected by its decision to replace Bandi Sanjay as the state chief, as well as its reluctance to take action against K. Kavitha, Mr. Rao’s daughter, in connection with an alleged liquor scam in Delhi.
In the meantime, the Congress, which has historically been a third player in the race for Telangana’s 119 seats, is expected to benefit from these political developments.
Pawan Kalyan has pledged to stand alongside Mr. Naidu in Andhra Pradesh. However, the TDP chief’s 2018 decision to exit the NDA coalition has left him without the BJP’s support, as the party has been reluctant to reconcile with him.
Interestingly, Pawan Kalyan’s ties with the BJP remain strong. During the recent meeting in Hyderabad, the Jana Sena Party leader expressed his admiration for PM Modi’s unwavering stance on national security and his ability to make decisions without solely considering electoral gains. Speaking at the rally, he emphasized that during the Telangana statehood agitation, the slogans were centered on issues like water, jobs, and funds for the state. However, he contended that once the state was formed, these promises remained unfulfilled. Pawan Kalyan cited Modi’s decisions on Article 370, the ban on triple talaq, and the construction of the Ram Mandir as evidence of the Prime Minister’s commitment to the country’s development and internal security. He praised Modi’s resolute stance against any threats to the nation, which has endeared the Prime Minister to him.
With Telangana’s elections scheduled for November 30 and the counting of votes set for December 3, this political alliance and its implications are poised to significantly impact the state’s electoral landscape. This timing coincides with vote-counting in four other states — Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Mizoram.
