The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) was previously part of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance but exited in 2018 when Mr Naidu was the state’s chief minister.
TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday to discuss the possibility of an alliance between the BJP and the regional party for the upcoming Lok Sabha and Assembly polls in Andhra Pradesh.
Both parties are open to forming an alliance, with discussions also involving BJP president J P Nadda. The outcome will depend on reaching a mutually agreeable seat-sharing arrangement.
A second meeting between the two leaders in as many months has raised hopes of a potential alliance.
TDP leaders emphasize the need for a quick decision on the alliance formation as the elections draw near, to avoid confusion among party workers and supporters.
The Jana Sena Party, led by actor Pawan Kalyan and a member of the NDA, has already allied with the TDP and is urging the BJP to do the same.
Mr. Kalyan also participated in the meeting with Shah, following Naidu’s discussions with TDP leaders and MPs.
Meanwhile, there are indications of a possible alliance between the BJP and the Biju Janata Dal in Odisha, as senior leaders of both parties have held separate meetings suggesting a potential partnership.
The BJP and TDP have previously had differences over the number of seats the BJP would contest in Andhra Pradesh, with the BJP expressing interest in 8-10 parliamentary constituencies out of 25 Lok Sabha seats.
In case of an alliance, sources in the TDP suggest the BJP may contest 5-6 Lok Sabha seats, the Jana Sena 3, and the TDP the rest.
The BJP’s efforts to expand the NDA come as it aims for a significant victory in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, with a target of winning 370 seats independently and 400 with allies.
Despite Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy’s support for the Modi government’s agenda and good rapport with BJP leaders, the complexities of forming alliances in the state persist.
Ultimately, the BJP’s alignment with regional parties aligned with its agenda could prove beneficial as it seeks to secure a third term under PM Modi.
(This story has not been edited by DNA staff and is published from PTI)