If some media reports are to be believed, then what is widely believed that TDP cannot contest elections alone seems to become true once again. TDP has openly declared a few months ago that they are in one side love with Pawan Kalyan but he is yet to respond.
Although it is still a cadre-based party with strong roots, the party has never felt this insecure. Its leader Chandrababu had gone to the extent of saying that this would be his last chance to become CM, otherwise it may not be possible. Chandrababu has been leaving no chance to indicate that he needs Pawan and recently he went to the hotel where Pawan stayed in Vijayawada and he didn’t leave till there was a joint press conference.
This is how much Babu is dependent on Jana Sena even this time, similar to 2014 elections. Even then Babu took support from BJP and Pawan and only then he was able to defeat Jagan, that too with less polling percentage difference. Now, something similar is cooking up though BJP is keen to maintain distance from Chandrababu given his back stabbing record.
Now the grapevine is that there are subtle hints being dropped about certain key seats related to TDP where some of its strongest leaders are based. One such example is Tenali, the stronghold of Senior Telugu Desam Party leader and former minister Alapati Rajendra Prasad. Sources say that in case of an alliance, the seat will go to Nadendla Manohar, who is the number two in Jana Sena.
Already Alapati seems to be slowly sulking and speaking as if he is ready to sacrifice his seat if it is in the interest of TDP. There are other seats too where TDP strongmen fear sacrificing for Jana Sena, particularly in former East and West Godavari districts and Uttarandhra area. Talks have already begun between the local cadre over who should sacrifice for him, in return for strong assurances after coming to power.
It would be interesting to watch what would BJP do if Jana Sena ditches it for TDP’s friendship. All said and done, Jagan is clearly anticipating that his detractors will join hands and in this regard, he has been highlighting their collusion against him. But there are high chances of rebels from TDP who may not give up without a strong fight.
