‘It’s a matter of credibility’: TDP rules out support to INDIA bloc as BJP falls short of majority mark | India News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: As the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) faces the possibility of falling short of a majority on its own in the Lok Sabha, its ally Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has firmly pledged its support to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), putting to rest any speculation of a shift towards the INDIA bloc. The Election Commission’s data until 7 pm indicates a challenging scenario for the BJP, having secured 89 seats and leading in 150 more.This suggests that the party’s final tally might be around 240 seats, well below the 272 required for a majority, spotlighting every alliance.
The TDP is poised to secure 16 out of the 25 Lok Sabha seats in Andhra Pradesh. Kanakamedala Ravindrakumar, a senior leader of the TDP, told the news agency PTI, “Our pre-poll pact with the BJP and Janasena in Andhra Pradesh isn’t just political arithmetic; it’s a matter of credibility.” He categorically stated, “We will remain part of the NDA. There is absolutely no question of supporting the India bloc.”
This assertion from the TDP comes at a crucial juncture when regional parties are being courted by both the NDA and INDIA bloc and the BJP depends on N Chandrabau Naidu and Nitish Kumar to form the government. The Congress party has already promised to grant special category status to Andhra Pradesh, a long-standing demand of the TDP, if the INDIA bloc comes to power. However, the TDP’s declaration carries significant weight, considering its history in coalition politics and its past fallout with the BJP just before the 2019 elections, despite being a long-time ally.
Ravindrakumar, referring to this legacy, stated, “Chandrababu Naiduji’s imprint on national coalitions is indelible. Today, as then, his maneuvers will be guided by Andhra’s aspirations. Our NDA alignment is a conduit for the state’s progress.” The Naidu-led NDA alliance in Andhra Pradesh is also on the verge of a landslide victory in the state elections, set to unseat the YSRC led by Jaganmohan Reddy.

The TDP’s strategy is evident—leveraging its national alliance for the benefit of the region. With Andhra Pradesh’s development heavily reliant on central support, the party is inclined to continue its association with the NDA. A TDP insider, hinting at long-term political calculations, stated, “Our bond with the NDA isn’t transactional. It’s a shared vision for India, where Andhra’s resurgence is integral.”
As the final chapters of the election unfold, the TDP’s stance serves as a stark reminder that regional dynamics often shape the national political landscape in India’s diverse political arena. The BJP’s quest for a majority now hinges on navigating the intricate loyalties and aspirations of its allies.
(With PTI inputs)