TDP-BJP-JSP deal sealed: Number of seats to be decided soon

VIJAYAWADA: The TDP, the BJP and the JSP have finalised a seat-sharing agreement in Andhra Pradesh following three rounds of discussions, according to TDP MP Kanakamedala Ravindra Kumar. However, as of now (5 pm), there is no official statement from the BJP.

According to sources, the saffron party would be offered six Lok Sabha and an equal number of Assembly constituencies as part of the alliance.

At least, this is what the TDP sources are indicating.

During a meeting between TDP national president N Chandrababu Naidu and Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday, a consensus was purportedly reached on seat sharing. BJP national president JP Nadda was also present at the meeting.

Also Read: YS Jagan may use Addanki Siddham to launch attack on TDP-BJP-Jana Sena alliance

As per the renewed deal, the JSP, which is already in alliance with the BJP, would seek a mandate from two Lok Sabha and 24 Assembly segments.

The TDP would nominate candidates in the remaining 17 Lok Sabha and 145 Assembly seats.

Previously, the BJP had sought a much higher number of Lok Sabha seats, while Naidu had offered six.

The JSP was initially offered three Lok Sabha seats. It would now have to return one to the TDP.

The TDP wants to allocate Araku, Rajahmundry, Narasapuram, Tirupati, Hindupur, and Rajampet Parliament constituencies. The JSP is expected to contest in two out of the three seats: Anakapalle, Kakinada, and Machilipatnam.

BJP Andhra Pradesh leaders like party president Daggubati Purandeswari and former Chief Minister Kiran Kumar Reddy are eyeing the Rajahmundry and Rajampet Lok Sabha seats, respectively.

Former YSRCP rebel MP K Raghu Rama Krishna is also interested in seeking re-election from Narasapuram. Although he has not affiliated with any political party after leaving the YSRCP, there are speculations of him joining the BJP.

Clarity regarding the Assembly seats and the candidates is expected upon Naidu and Pawan Kalyan's return to the State.

The formal announcement of the alliance is scheduled for later in the day.