TDP and Jana Sena trying to expand their wings in Telangana

With municipal elections approaching, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Jana Sena Party (JSP) are exploring options to expand their footprint in Telangana, signalling a possible political comeback after consolidating power in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh as part of the NDA.

Both parties, allies of the BJP in Andhra Pradesh, are now assessing prospects in Telangana’s urban local body elections. Political circles indicate that the focus is on testing organisational strength and regaining relevance, particularly in urban centres.

JSP, led by actor-turned-politician Pawan Kalyan, has reportedly begun groundwork preparations. The party has dissolved its political committees at various levels in Telangana, with plans to reconstitute them in line with municipal election requirements.

A senior JSP leader in Telangana has indicated that the party is keen to contest the polls, especially the



Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC). He said discussions with the BJP on a possible alliance could take place soon.

However, uncertainty persists after BJP State president N Ramchander Rao announced that the party would contest the municipal elections independently, without alliances. His statement has triggered speculation, given the BJP’s alliance with TDP and JSP in Andhra Pradesh.

TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu, during a meeting with Telangana party leaders in August 2024, had assured efforts to revive and strengthen the party in the State. He had also asked leaders to focus on organisational rebuilding and membership enrolment.

Against this backdrop, there is growing buzz that TDP and JSP may contest the municipal elections in Telangana. Whether the BJP will eventually join hands with them remains unclear, though political observers believe the possibility cannot be ruled out.