The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) is facing a dilemma regarding its participation in the upcoming assembly elections in Telangana, despite the party's previous efforts to demonstrate its strength in the region.
Telangana TDP president Kasani Gyaneshwar has stated that the party has prepared a list of 88 candidates for the assembly elections. However, he has not received approval from the party's top leadership.
Party president N Chandrababu Naidu is currently in jail, and general secretary Lokesh is engaged in legal matters, attempting to protect his father and himself from various cases.
Recently, senior actor Nandamuri Balakrishna, Naidu’s brother-in-law, had discussions with Gyaneshwar and other Telangana TDP leaders and cadre. Balakrishna advised them to wait for the party’s official decision on contesting the elections.
Meanwhile, leaders like Ravula Chandrasekhar Reddy are considering joining the Bharatiya Janata Party, and former Telangana TDP president Bakkani Narasimhulu is uncertain about his future course of action. Other leaders like former MLA Katragadda Prasuna are awaiting direction from the party.
The TDP leadership faces several challenges. First, Naidu and Lokesh are unable to campaign in Telangana due to their legal issues.
Second, there is concern that TDP’s participation might split the anti-establishment vote, benefiting the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), which is aligned with the YSR Congress party.
Even a few thousand votes for TDP candidates in contested constituencies could help the BRS.
Third, there are reports that the Bharatiya Janata Party is indirectly seeking TDP’s support for its candidates.
If TDP supports BJP, it might receive support from the BJP in Andhra elections. If TDP remains neutral, it could benefit the Congress party, but may antagonize the BJP, potentially impacting future elections.
Additionally, TDP needs to contest in Telangana to maintain its existence and national party status. This situation poses a significant dilemma for the party.