The BJP and Jana Sena have announced their candidates for the upcoming elections in Andhra Pradesh. The BJP revealed six MP candidates, while the Jana Sena announced 18 Assembly candidates out of the 21 seats given to it in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
One notable absence from the list is former MP Raghu Ramakrishnam Raju, who did not receive a ticket from his native Narsapuram Lok Sabha seat. Raju expressed his anger, alleging that Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy influenced the BJP leadership to deny him the ticket.
Raju is now unlikely to be fielded by any party, even for Assembly seats. The TDP is also playing behind-the-scenes politics that could affect the chances of BJP and Jana Sena candidates in the elections. Despite being allotted 10 Assembly seats, the BJP and 21 seats for the Jana Sena, tensions among the alliance partners are rising.
There is discontent within the TDP over the alliance with the NDA, with many cadres unhappy with the arrangement. BJP leaders are also upset with the TDP’s support for rebel candidates, which could harm the chances of official NDA nominees. Chandrababu Naidu recently indicated that the poll alliance is temporary during a strategy meeting with TDP leaders and workers.
Overall, the political landscape in Andhra Pradesh is heating up as parties prepare for the upcoming elections.
