The coalition between the NDA partners in Andhra Pradesh has reached a consensus on the distribution of seats for both the Lok Sabha and state assembly elections, following extensive discussions. The agreement dictates that the BJP will field candidates in six Lok Sabha constituencies and 10 assembly seats, while the TDP will contest 17 parliamentary and 144 state assembly seats.
In accordance with the arrangement, Pawan Kalyan's JanaSena party will vie for two Lok Sabha seats and 21 assembly constituencies, as declared by TDP leader N Chandrababu Naidu following the meeting.
The negotiations, led by senior BJP figure and Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, alongside TDP's Naidu and JanaSena's Kalyan, took place in Amaravati to finalize the seat-sharing arrangement for the upcoming elections.
Expressing his optimism, Naidu stated, "In Amaravati today, the BJP, TDP, and JSP (Janasena) have come to a strong seat-sharing agreement. This significant step brings Andhra Pradesh closer to reclaiming our state and building a brighter future. I earnestly appeal to the people of Andhra Pradesh to support this alliance and provide us with a historic mandate to serve them."
With Andhra Pradesh comprising 25 Lok Sabha and 175 assembly seats, the distribution of seats among the alliance partners has been a crucial aspect of their electoral strategy.
Originally slated to contest 24 assembly and three Lok Sabha seats, JanaSena's share was adjusted to 21 assembly and two Lok Sabha seats following the recent inclusion of TDP in the NDA alliance.
The upcoming polls mark the first instance of the three parties contesting together. While TDP and BJP allied in 2014, JanaSena remained an external supporter.
Both TDP and JanaSena have revealed the names of 100 candidates, with Naidu assuring that additional candidates will be announced soon, reflecting their commitment to representing the aspirations of the people of Andhra Pradesh.
The deliberations on Monday aimed to allocate seats in a manner that truly reflects the interests and aspirations of the people of Andhra Pradesh, as highlighted by TDP supremo Naidu.
In parallel, TDP sources disclosed plans to invite Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address an election rally between March 17 and 20, potentially marking a rare appearance where Modi, Naidu, and Kalyan would share the stage, emphasizing the significance of the event.
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