Naidu-pk meet: all eyes now on bjp's next move

JSP is already in alliance with the BJP but both the parties are yet to have a perfect sync in taking up joint programmes against the YSRCP. BJP and YSRCP are also having a blow hot and blow cold relationship due to support rendered by the latter to the Central Government

Vijayawada: All eyes are on the next move of Bharatiya Janata Party with Jana Sena Party founder and film star Pawan Kalyan's second meeting with TDP national president N Chandrababu Naidu since October, 2022 to fight unitedly against the YSR Congress Party Government.

The bonhomie between Naidu and the 'power star' at the luncheon one-to-one meeting in Jubilee Hills residence of the former Chief Minister in Hyderabad has led to the speculation that both the leaders may stitch an alliance keeping in view the elections slated for 2024 amid the talk of pre-ponement.

JSP is already in alliance with the BJP but both the parties are yet to have a perfect sync in taking up joint programmes against the YSRCP. BJP and YSRCP are also having a blow hot and blow cold relationship due to support rendered by the latter to the Central Government over crucial legislations and debates in the Parliament and its plans to strengthen its base in South India.

Pawan Kalyan and Naidu also hinted at taking up a joint programme against an 'Emergency-type' situation being created in Andhra Pradesh by the YSRCP Government led by Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy in what they claimed attempts to muzzle the voice of the Opposition. In October, they met after the JSP president was declined permission by the police in Visakhapatnam to hold Jana Vani (public grievances redressal) programme on October 16 last. The actor was also not allowed to come out of a five star hotel subsequently forcing him to fly back to Hyderabad after cancelling Jana Vani roadshows.

After the second meeting, Pawan Kalyan clarified that they have come to an understanding with TDP to fight unitedly against GO No. 1 imposing restrictions on holding political meetings and roadshows after the Kandukur and Guntur stampedes which claimed 11 lives at meetings addressed by Naidu on December 28 and January 1. Earlier, Naidu and Pawan Kalyan met following denial of police permission to the latter to move out of his hotel to hold a roadshow after the October 15 Visakha Garjana rally organised by YSRCP here on October 15 in support of trifurcation of capital. "YSRCP is in jittery following the understanding between Chandrababu Naidu and Pawan Kalyan to put up a joint fight against Emergency-type situation in the State," TDP State president K Atchan Naidu, said.

The first meeting since Pawan Kalyan severed relationship with TDP had fuelled speculation that he will align with TDP and distance from the saffron brigade. But Prime Minister Narendra Modi summoned him to Visakhapatnam during his visit on November 11 and was understood to have impressed upon him not to walk out of the alliance with the BJP. It was believed that the Prime Minister told him that his dream to become Chief Minister cannot be redeemed even in 2029 if he aligned with Naidu instead of fighting with him in the next elections.

Meanwhile, some even expect that BJP might sail with TDP and Jana Sena to put up a stiff fight to YSRCP by putting up a formidable front in 2024 depending on the number of Lok Sabha seats to be offered to it. However, BJP leaders have adopted a cautious approach as only second rung leaders are reacting over the latest developments.

Following his second meeting with Naidu, Pawan Kalyan came under severe criticism by the ruling YSRCP leaders. They said their claim that Pawan Kalyan is a package star and is in hand-in-glove with the TDP president. "Everybody knows Naidu's adopted son is Pawan Kalyan and the actor visited his adopted dad's house to collect Sankranti amount," Minister for Industries and Commerce Gudivada Amarnath said.

Irrigation Minister Ambati Rambabu said come what may, they are sure to face the elections in all 175 assembly constituencies and win all the seats under the leadership of Jagan Mohan Reddy in recognition of the revolutionary welfare schemes being implemented in Andhra Pradesh.