On December 3, 2023, the Telangana results were announced and Revanth Reddy became the new Chief Minister. Telangana saw only Jana Sena Party [JSP], the regional party from Andhra Pradesh contest the Telangana Assembly Constituency this time. This time the tremors created by the shocking public mandate in Telangana were also felt in the neighbouring Telugu state.
Due to the victory of Revanth Reddy, The Telugu Desam Party [TDP] seems jubilant. After all, many news channels had captured TDP supporters carrying party flags and joining the Congress workers in celebrations both at the houses of the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee [TPCC] chief A. Revanth Reddy, and the Congress headquarters Gandhi Bhavan.
Previously, Chandrababu Naidu had reportedly expressed his fear that the party would only make a poor show if it contested the Telangana elections. Also, Naidu feared the ruling YSR Congress exploiting the possibility of deliberating the performance of TDP in Telangana. After the election, it has been also observed that YSRCP mocked the JanaSena Party which turned weak in the Telangana election even after contesting in alliance with the BJP, which helped to increase its vote share.
Also Read: Pawan Kalyan’s Keen Focus On Godavari Districts. Will TDP Sacrifice Seats For JSP?
Equilibrium between TDP and Congress
The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) is content with Telangana’s electoral results, anticipating challenges for YS Jagan Mohan Reddy in managing poll logistics due to the state’s antagonistic atmosphere. TDP, previously part of the 2018 “Mahakutami” alliance, secured two seats; in 2014, it won 15 seats alongside the BJP. Post-bifurcation, YSR Congress disengaged from Telangana politics, despite prior success in the Khammam district. In contrast, TDP maintained an active presence in Telangana, straining its relationship with KCR and deepening the animosity between KCR and Naidu. Jagan’s alignment with the BRS supremo further complicates the political landscape, making KCR’s defeat a setback for Jagan’s political alliances.
Will welfare schemes lead YSRCP to victory in AP?
Despite its desire for a BJP alliance in Andhra Pradesh, the TDP surprisingly rejected the BJP-Jana Sena Alliance in Telangana and didn’t support Jana Sena in the Telangana elections, despite having an alliance with it in Andhra Pradesh. Jana Sena contested in areas where TDP has substantial support, leading to criticism from the YSR Congress for the divergence in Telangana. The TDP is seizing the BRS defeat to suggest growing dissatisfaction in Andhra Pradesh. While KCR lost despite implementing welfare measures, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy is criticised for prioritising welfare over development. TDP is using KCR’s defeat to argue against the incumbent government relying solely on welfare schemes for political success.
Irrespective of what happens tomorrow..
— M9.NEWS (@M9Breaking) December 2, 2023
Chandrababu Naidu & Lokesh should immediately hire Sunil Kanugolu for TDP's Campaign. Congress's last one-month campaign is just fantastic!#TelanganaElections2023
more: 👇https://t.co/awyaEVzNPw
Will Sunil Kanugolu be working with TDP?
Sunil Kanugolu’s potential collaboration with TDP or Congress in Andhra Pradesh remains uncertain. Known for his role in Telangana Congress’s success, he briefly worked with TDP last year but in a limited capacity. Reports suggest TDP’s renewed interest, leaving Kanugolu with a decision to make. If approached by both Congress and TDP, his choice could significantly impact political dynamics. The outcome depends on myriad factors, including personal beliefs, the evolving political landscape, and strategic considerations. Political affiliations are fluid, and predicting his decision and its impact on the TDP-Congress equation in Andhra Pradesh is speculative.
The Telangana election aftermath signals TDP’s resurgence and strategic shifts, heightened by Jana Sena’s setback. Kanugolu’s uncertain alliance choice adds complexity. As Andhra Pradesh navigates evolving alliances, his role will become pivotal, shaping the dynamic political landscape and promising further developments in the region.
