Andhra Pradesh is currently being ruled by a coalition of three parties, not a single party, as is well known.
However, from the beginning, the Bharatiya Janata Party has largely remained silent on state-level governance, with complete control resting in the hands of N. Chandrababu Naidu.
Although the Jana Sena Party is a partner in the government, it is essentially Chandrababu Naidu’s leadership and governance style that dominates the administration.
The BJP has been in a wait-and-watch mode since the beginning. This means it is closely observing whether Chandrababu Naidu’s rule satisfies the people, delivers effective governance, and avoids anti-incumbency.
Clearly, strong performance, visible results, and the absence of public resentment are crucial for the BJP to continue the alliance at the time of the next election or even before that.
The BJP’s approach is straightforward. It extends support to a power center, but that power must demonstrate its effectiveness. If it fails, the BJP does not hesitate to distance itself.
Therefore, it remains to be seen how far Chandrababu Naidu and the Telugu Desam Party as a whole can succeed in keeping the people of Andhra Pradesh satisfied going forward.
Since assuming power in 2024, public sentiment has not been particularly positive, and anti-incumbency appears to be growing. This is not mere speculation or political gossip.
According to internal surveys conducted by the BJP at the national level, dissatisfaction in Andhra Pradesh has been clearly noted.
On the other hand, the BJP has not taken an aggressive stand against the YSR Congress Party or its leader Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, at least to please the TDP leadership, despite being part of the ruling alliance in the state.
In fact, BJP leaders at the Centre have continued to grant meetings and extend courtesy to YSRCP leaders in Delhi.
Therefore, the BJP’s silence on Andhra Pradesh politics should not be interpreted as reassurance.
It signals caution and calculation, and the political situation in the state could change at any time.
