Has the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) decided to go it alone in the Andhra Pradesh assembly and Lok Sabha elections, without joining the alliance of the Telugu Desam Party and Jana Sena Party combine?
The answer seems to be yes, judging by the comments and facial expressions of BJP state unit president Daggubati Purandeshwari while interacting with reporters in Eluru on Thursday.
When asked about the progress in forging alliances with the TDP and Jana Sena Party, the BJP leader responded in her usual tone, stating that the party’s Central command would handle it.
At the same time, Purandeshwari emphasized that the party was prepared to contest from all constituencies in the state. "Regardless of the alliances, our cadre is prepared for the elections to contest independently," she stated.
She clarified that the BJP cadre were focused "on strengthening our own party in the state," asserting her readiness to contest any seat.
Another indication of the BJP's decision to go alone was the party's preparation for holding a massive public meeting at Eluru indoor stadium on February 27. The meeting would be addressed by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
Named ‘Praja Poru,’ the meeting is scheduled exactly a day before the public rally of the TDP-Jana Sena Party combine at Tadepalligudem on February 28, which would be addressed by TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu and Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan.
Interestingly, both meetings are being held in Eluru district only. While the BJP has not been invited to the Tadepalligudem rally, the TDP-Jana Sena did not receive an invitation for the Eluru rally to be held a day earlier.
Purandeswari mentioned that the party would highlight the achievements of the NDA government at the Centre and its assistance for the development of Andhra Pradesh at the meeting, seeking people’s support.
The party would also explain to the people the Centre’s share in the schemes and programmes being implemented in the State, she said, urging people to vote for the BJP for the development of the State. Thus, the BJP has no place for the TDP-Jana Sena in its election strategy!
