Is the TDP returning to the NDA after 10 years? The signals from the TDP camp are hinting at a possible pre-poll alliance with the BJP ahead of coming Lok Sabha elections. TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu will meet BJP chief Rajnath Singh in New Delhi.
According to TDP sources, Naidu has arrived in the national capital to discuss the fallout of the Telangana decision with main political parties including the BJP and there will be no discussion on supporting the NDA. Naidu will also meet President Pranab Mukherjee.
The Centre's decision to create a separate state of Telangana by dividing Andhra Pradesh has hit the TDP hard. In the Seemandhra region, Naidu is being seen as a 'traitor' who has sided with Telangana. In Telangana, people have started doubting his commitment to the new state.
He is also facing internal rebellion from his own family. His brother-in-law and NTR's son N Harikrishna is reportedly upset with Naidu. He wants Naidu to quit as the TDP chief to make way for somebody from the NTR family to take charge as party president.
The TDP is facing a tough competition from the jailed YSR Congress chief YS Jaganmohan Reddy in the Seemandhra region. According to some surveys, Jagan is already miles ahead of Naidu in these regions. In Telangana, Naidu is fighting the Congress, TRS, YSRCP and the Communist parties.
The undivided Andhra Pradesh has 42 Lok Sabha and 294 Assembly seats. The Telangana region has 17 Lok Sabha and 119 Assembly Seats. The Seemandhra region has 25 Lok Sabha seats and 175 Assembly seats. Naidu has been out of power for almost 10 years. The AP Assembly and Lok Sabha polls early next year would be a 'do or die' battle for him.
