After so much deliberation, the Bharatiya Janata Party’s high command seems to have finally yielded to the demands of Pawan Kalyan and agreed to allot 8 seats to his Janasena party in the upcoming Telangana elections as part of the alliance. Last month, Pawan Kalyan headed to New Delhi along with state BJP president Kishan Reddy and met Union Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss seat sharing and other key issues relating to the JSP – BJP alliance.
Since then, both parties have been working rigorously to come to terms about the number of seats to be apportioned by each of them. Though Janasena initially considered to field its candidates in nearly 30 constituencies across the state, it later reduced its demand to 12 seats. But, BJP decided to allot only 10 seats as Janasena hasn’t got much stronghold and presence in Telangana. Some high-profile leaders of the BJP even expressed dissent over the party’s decision to ally with Janasena.
As per the latest reports, Janasena will contest from Kukatpally, Khammam, Vyra, Kothagudem, Aswaraopeta, Thandur, Nagar Kurnool, and Kodad. Despite persistent demands to allot Sherlingampally seat to Janasena, the top brass of BJP didn’t succumb to the pressure and strongly stated that it would field its candidate there. There is some uncertainty over two other seats between the parties and they will finalized shortly. This decision was taken after both Pawan Kalyan and Kishan Reddy held talks in Hyderabad yesterday.
Janasena is banking on the vote bank of settlers and migrants from Andhra Pradesh in these constituencies. As TDP is out of the contest, its supporters might be inclined towards Janasena because of the recent developments in Andhra Pradesh.
The final list featuring Janasena candidates and remaining contestants of BJP will be announced in a couple of days. Pawan Kalyan also confirmed that he will attend the public meeting in LB Stadium on November 7th which will be graced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.