Janasena party president Pawan Kalyan’s sudden Delhi tour to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah and other BJP leaders to discuss seat sharing and alliance in the upcoming Telangana assembly elections came as a big surprise because of the current political equations in both the Telugu States.
It is well known that Janasena partnered with the TDP – BJP alliance in 2014, but didn’t contest in the assembly elections of Andhra Pradesh. Later, the party backed out from the 2018 assembly elections in Telangana despite having some active leaders. Though the TDP severed ties with the BJP just before the 2019 elections in AP, Janasena allied with the national party immediately after the YSRCP came to power in the state. However, it hasn’t entered any poll battle in Telangana so far.
Meanwhile, Pawan Kalyan reunited with TDP following the arrest of Chandra Babu Naidu. However, the BJP is playing the role of a mute spectator in the entire CBN issue. There is no clarity on whether it will support the TDP – Janasena alliance in Andhra Pradesh or not.
Though Pawan is actively involved in Andhra Pradesh politics, he recently assured his party cadre in Telangana to field candidates in the upcoming polls. Last month, he organized a coordination meeting with key leaders in the state to discuss ways to strengthen the party all over the state. He also promised to announce candidates for some key constituencies.
Amidst this backdrop, Pawan met Amit Shah in Delhi along with Kishan Reddy and other BJP leaders of Telangana. He is said to have discussed upcoming elections and the prevailing political situation in Andhra Pradesh.
As TDP is likely to indirectly support Congress or BJP without contesting in Telangana, Janasena will play a crucial role in some constituencies because of its alliance in Andhra Pradesh.
Reportedly, Pawan Kalyan will address the press today and announce the list of candidates who will contest in Telangana elections. There are chances that he might reveal or hint about BJP’s stance in Andhra Pradesh as well and bring up other issues during his interaction.
Overall, Pawan Kalyan’s Delhi tour will assume significance because of the existing political atmosphere in both Telugu States.