On Thursday, the actor-turned-politician Pawan Kalyan announced his decision to leave the BJP-led NDA in order to lend his support to the TDP’s Chandrababu Naidu during challenging circumstances. He emphasized the necessity of a Janasena-TDP alliance for the betterment of governance and the development of Andhra Pradesh.
Speaking about the critical need for a united Janasena and TDP front for the advancement of Andhra Pradesh, Kalyan stated, “TDP, a robust political force, is indispensable for the state’s progress and effective governance. At this juncture, while TDP is facing challenges, we stand by them. TDP requires the vigour of Janasainks’ youthful support in this scenario. The combined strength of TDP and Janasena could overshadow the influence of YSRCP in the state.”
This move comes after Pawan Kalyan’s visit to Chandrababu Naidu in the Rajahmundry Central Jail on September 14. Naidu has been incarcerated following allegations related to a “skill development scam.”
Pawan Kalyan had earlier proposed an alliance between TDP, BJP, and his party in Andhra Pradesh to counter the influence of YS Jagan Mohan Reddy’s YSRCP. The BJP is yet to finalize its stance on this proposal.
In the 2019 Andhra Pradesh assembly elections, Janasena, led by Pawan Kalyan, secured a single seat with a 5.6% vote share, while TDP clinched 23 seats with a 39.7% vote share. The YSRCP, however, dominated the polls, securing 151 seats with a 50.6% vote share.
Meanwhile, TDP leader Chandrababu Naidu remains in judicial custody. The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Court, on Wednesday, postponed the hearing on Naidu’s bail and custody petitions in the Skill Development case to October 5, as confirmed by his advocate Pramod Dhube.
Nara Lokesh, TDP National General Secretary, asserted on Tuesday that the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh was unjustly implicating opposition leaders in fabricated cases, labelling his father’s arrest as nothing short of a politically motivated witch-hunt.
Also Read: Union Minister Narendra Tomar Slams Opposition Amid Sanjay Singh’s Arrest
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