TDP-Jana Sena-BJP seat-sharing negotiations: Talks end, outcome unclear

Amaravati: Seat-sharing negotiations between the Telugu Desam Party and the Jana Sena for the Andhra Pradesh local body elections have reached the final stage, though the number of municipal corporations and municipalities each party will contest remains undisclosed as of now.

After three days of discussions involving Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Jana Sena leaders and Deputy Chief Minister K Pawan Kalyan, the alliance partners have decided to contest together, following the model adopted in the 2024 general election.

However, the absence of a publicly stated seat-sharing formula has kept the focus on how the TDP will accommodate Jana Sena’s demands while addressing the expectations of its own cadre.

Meanwhile, the BJP, understood to have sought one municipal corporation, is also awaiting clarity on its demand. Jana Sena had reportedly sought the opportunity to contest in six municipal corporations and 30 to 40 municipalities. The TDP’s reported offer of three corporations and 20 municipalities fell short of those expectations.

Neither party has officially confirmed these figures or disclosed the final allocation. Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Jana Sena leaders Bolisetti Srinivas, Pidugu Hari Prasad, and Vamsi Krishna Yadav sought to dispel speculations about “differences” within the alliance, asserting that the parties had clarity on where each would contest.

“We will contest as alliance partners and announce the list of candidates within a couple of days,” they said, adding that a consolidated list for the 17 municipal corporations would be released on behalf of the NDA alliance. A list for municipalities was also being prepared.

Bolisetti, however, appeared annoyed when asked to disclose the precise number of seats allocated to each party. He ruled out friendly contests between the TDP and Jana Sena, saying the partners would contest in areas where they were strong. He maintained that there had been no discussion on specific seat percentages or ratios and that the alliance’s objective was to win while respecting the sentiments of party workers.

The insistence that cadre concerns would be addressed is significant as the parties move towards candidate selection with the nomination process approaching. Jana Sena leaders said decisions on who would contest from each area had already been discussed “internally” and that candidates would be announced on behalf of the alliance rather than through separate party lists.

Vamsi Krishna said Jana Sena would follow Pawan Kalyan’s directions and ensure that the selection process satisfied the party cadre. He reiterated that the party remained committed to the state’s welfare.

Although the leaders have declared the seat-sharing discussions concluded and denied any differences, the actual distribution of constituencies—and the BJP’s share—will become clear only when the alliance releases its candidate lists over the next two days.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

K Varaprasada Rao

K Varaprasada Rao[email protected]

K Varaprasada Rao is a Senior Reporter with The Hans India, covering the Andhra Pradesh Secretariat, Chief Minister's Office (CMO), State Legislative Assembly, Legislative Council and political affairs. With over 20 years of experience in journalism in Andhra Pradesh, he has extensively reported on governance, public policy, politics, and socio-economic issues that shape the state's development and influence the country's evolving landscape. He holds a postgraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communication. His reporting focuses on finance, industries, irrigation, agriculture, infrastructure, investment, public administration, and political developments, with a particular interest in analysing their long-term economic and social impact.

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