With the Andhra Pradesh government preparing to conduct local body elections, most likely in September, discussions have begun within the ruling Telugu Desam Party-led coalition over seat-sharing arrangements.
Jana Sena Party Political Affairs Committee chairman Nadendla Manohar has indicated that the party is likely to seek a larger share of seats in the local body elections, based on its organisational strength and local political dynamics. However, he reiterated that strengthening the alliance remains the party’s primary objective.
Addressing party functionaries, Manohar recalled that Jana Sena had consciously sacrificed electoral opportunities during the 2024 Assembly and Lok Sabha elections in the larger interest of the state by accommodating its alliance partners.
However, he made it clear that the same formula should not be expected to apply to the upcoming local body elections.
“Pawan Kalyan’s decision to forge an alliance in the 2024 elections was taken in the interest of Andhra Pradesh. At that time, we stepped back to achieve a larger objective. It would be incorrect to assume that the same approach will continue in the local body elections,” Manohar said.
He said the NDA leadership would soon meet to finalise the seat-sharing arrangements. The decisions, he added, would be based on local political realities and the relative strength of each alliance partner.
While adhering to coalition principles, Jana Sena would ensure that deserving party workers receive opportunities to contest, he said.
Sources indicate that the ruling coalition has already begun internal discussions on coordinating its strategy ahead of the elections.
According to reports, an initial seat-sharing formula of 80:15:5 is under consideration. Under this arrangement, the TDP would contest around 80 per cent of the seats, Jana Sena 15 per cent and the Bharatiya Janata Party the remaining 5 per cent.
However, the formula is expected to remain flexible, with adjustments likely depending on local political equations and the electoral strength of the alliance partners in specific regions.
Manohar acknowledged that minor differences were natural in any coalition government and urged Jana Sena workers to remain committed to maintaining alliance unity.
He called upon NDA leaders and workers across Andhra Pradesh to work together with dedication to strengthen the alliance ahead of the local body elections.
