High-voltage drama unfolds as election nears in Andhra

Vijayawada: Even before commencement of election process, a high-voltage drama is unfolding in Andhra Pradesh with fissures developing in the Telugu Desam Party and its alliance partner filmstar Pawan Kalyan-led Jana Sena and many unsuccessful ticket aspirants waiting to jump the fence from the ruling YSR Congress Party.

Buoyed over mammoth response for the Yuva Galam success rally in Vizianagaram district by his son Nara Lokesh, TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu recently met election strategist Prashant Kishor at his Undavalli residence causing heartburn among the Jana Sainiks and their top leadership. As both are popularly called PK, by their admirers, keeping the meeting with Prashant Kishore a closely-guarded secret has led to suspicion among the Jana Sena leaders at a time when both the parties are preparing a joint manifesto. Incidentally, on request by Naidu during a visit to his house in Hyderabad, Pawan agreed to address the rally organised to celebrate the culmination of Lokesh’s Yuva Galam padayatra amid fanfare.

Lokesh was quoted as saying by a section of the media that Chandrababu Naidu will be the Chief Minister for a full term after the elections. Asked to comment whether Pawan will be made Deputy Chief Minister, he said that will be decided by Naidu and the TDP politburo. “Such an irresponsible statement from Lokesh just before the release of the joint manifesto has upset us,” a senior leader of Jana Sena told Bizz Buzz.

After joining Jana Sena at Mangalagiri in the presence of Pawan Kalyan on Wednesday, YSRCP MLC Vamsi Krishna Srinivas Yadav said “its home-coming for him to come back to work with Pawan Kalyan and his dream to see the star-turned politician as the Chief Minister.”

Jana Sena leaders, who expect a bigger role in the alliance, are of the opinion that the TDP got the booster dose only after Pawan Kalyan’s mulaqat at Rajamahendravaram Central Jail with Chandrababu Naidu during his judicial custody in connection with the AP Skill Development Corporation case and announcement on forging of alliance with yellow brigade to dislodge the YSRCP from power.

On the other hand, as the ticket selection process is in progress, there has been talk of dropping several sitting MLAs and changing of constituencies for many, leading to speculation that some of them may take Jana Sena or TDP ‘teertham.’ The TDP leadership has already decided not to extend olive branch to the turncoats as it may lead to the exit of several leaders, who are strong contenders for the party ticket. After the exit of Vamsi Srinivas Yadav, who was informed on not fielding him as party candidate from Visakhapatnam East Assembly Constituency, Industries Minister Gudivada Amarnath described his decision as a ‘self-goal.’

Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, who held a meeting with the regional coordinators and key leaders on candidate selection, told them candidly that ‘winning chances and caste equations’ will be key factors for finalisation of aspirants. Party sources said those who are not being given tickets, will be accommodated suitably in nominated posts like Rajya Sabha members and MLC and corporation chairperson and other nominated and organisational posts.

BJP, which has an alliance with Jana Sena in the NDA, appears to have adopted a wait and watch policy. However, on record, the leaders in politics anything may happen. “Jana Sena is part of NDA and we are confident that Pawan Kalyan will sail with us,” BJP national spokesman and Rajya Sabha MP GVL Narasimha Rao told this reporter during a chat with Bizz Buzz.