Alliance negotiations between the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are at an advanced stage ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha and State Assembly polls, as the Andhra Pradesh party makes its way back to the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). According to BJP sources, the ruling party has demanded six Lok Sabha seats in the State, along with 20 Assembly seats, while Pawan Kalyan’s Jan Sena Party wants three Lok Sabha seats.
So far, no confirmations have been forthcoming from the TDP. According to party sources, TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu is being tight-lipped about the possible seat-sharing arrangement, but has not denied the speculation. “An alliance is conditioned by several factors, including whether everyone on board is happy with their share of seats. Since the BJP is occupied with its National Council till Sunday, nothing will be finalised until February 20. Till then, it is all speculation and political flexing,” a TDP strategist said.
