TDP- BJP rift likely to widen

Hyderabad: Even as the results of the Warangal bypoll started trickling in, the blame-game between the Telugu Desam and Bharatiya Janata Party has begun indicating the possibility of rift between the two allies widening.

Participating in an election analysis discussion on HMTV, TDP leader Errabelli Dayakar Rao admitted that his party cadres were nervous as the seat was given to the BJP. The coordination between the two parties was not so effective, he

said, adding that the “TRS could therefore buy our party sarpanches and other local representatives.” “BJP might have become weaker but not the TDP,” he further remarked.

The statement by the senior TDP leader signals possible political realignment at least after the GHMC polls, felt political observers.

Meanwhile, speaking on the same programme, BJP leader Prakash Reddy said the TDP vote normally does not transfer to the BJP. “In 2014, the BJP contested 45 seats and won five. But, in the 37 seats out of the 40 seats the BJP lost, the TRS has won. This shows that the TDP fails to transfer its votes to the BJP despite alliance and best efforts by party top leaders,” added Prakash Reddy.

In fact, the TDP and the BJP had hot and cold relationship right from the beginning. A strong section of the BJP in the state has been disinclined to have a tie-up with the TDP. However, Dr P Devaiah, BJP candidate in Warangal, expressed satisfaction over the support extended by the TDP.

Meanwhile, Congress MP Gutha Sukhender Reddy sought TDP –Congress unity to fight what he called the autocratic rule of the TRS. The remarks by different political leaders in the post poll scenario indicate the possibility of realignment of political forces shaping up in Telangana.