As the stage is set for local body elections in Andhra Pradesh, with municipal polls expected to be held first and the election schedule likely to be announced next week, the ruling alliance partners — the Telugu Desam Party, BJP and Jana Sena Party — are working out a seat-sharing formula.
The Jana Sena Party, led by Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, has already indicated to the TDP that it will not compromise on seeking a larger share of seats in the local body elections.
Now, sources say the BJP, too, is seeking a larger share of seats in areas where it believes it has a realistic chance of winning, with discussions focusing particularly on municipal and other local body positions.
The BJP’s central leadership has reportedly directed the State unit to use the local elections as an opportunity to strengthen the party’s organisational network.
The party does not want to repeat what it sees as the limitations of the 2014-18 period and is preparing to field candidates in as many winnable seats as possible.
As part of the seat-sharing negotiations, the BJP is reportedly seeking the mayoral posts in Visakhapatnam and Rajamahendravaram.
The party is also preparing a broader plan to secure a significant share of positions across various categories, including mayors, Zilla Parishad chairpersons, municipal chairpersons and other local body posts.
The BJP is expected to press for Zilla Parishad chairperson posts in Krishna and Eluru districts. It also plans to seek several municipal chairperson and Mandal Parishad president posts in areas falling under the Narsapur, Guntur, Tirupati and Anantapur Lok Sabha constituencies.
The party’s strategy is aimed not merely at securing local positions but also at expanding its organisational footprint across Andhra Pradesh.
To coordinate its election preparations, the BJP State leadership has divided the State into four organisational zones — North Andhra, Godavari, Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema.
Separate election strategies are being prepared for each zone. Leaders entrusted with responsibility for the four zones have reportedly been touring their respective areas, identifying constituencies and local body positions where the party has the potential to contest effectively, and preparing lists of prospective candidates.
The BJP leadership has also reportedly conveyed that the party’s expectations regarding nominated posts have not been met to the desired extent.
As a result, the State unit has been instructed to ensure that the party receives an adequate share of local body positions through the alliance’s seat-sharing process.
While the TDP remains the principal constituent of the alliance, the BJP is seeking to use its position in the ruling coalition to build a stronger independent organisational presence across the State.
The final seat-sharing formula among the three alliance partners is expected to determine the extent of the BJP’s participation and the number of local bodies where it will be able to test its electoral strength.
