In a significant political move, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared the stage with actor-politician Pawan Kalyan in Telangana.
This strategic alliance between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Kalyan’s Jan Sena Party aims to make inroads into the state, where the BJP is eager to expand its influence.
With the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) out of the race, the BJP has allocated eight seats to Jan Sena Party, counting on the actor’s massive fan following to gain traction.
The BJP’s Gamble in Telangana:
While Pawan Kalyan’s Jan Sena Party hasn’t had a significant impact on the political landscape in Telangana so far, the BJP sees an opportunity to tap into the actor’s immense popularity.
Telangana has long been ruled by K Chandrasekhar Rao’s Bharat Rashtra Samithi (TRS), and the BJP hopes to limit the damage by leveraging Kalyan’s appeal among the masses.
However, recent developments, such as the replacement of the state chief, Bandi Sanjay, and the party’s reluctance to take action against K Chandrasekhar Rao’s daughter in connection with an alleged liquor scam, have raised concerns about the BJP’s electoral prospects in the state.
With the BJP’s standing possibly weakened by internal issues, the Congress is expected to be the main beneficiary in Telangana’s upcoming assembly election in 2023.
Despite being a distant third in previous races, the party could see an upswing in its fortunes this time around.
Pawan Kalyan’s Ties with the BJP:
Pawan Kalyan has pledged to fight alongside Chandrababu Naidu, the leader of the TDP, in Andhra Pradesh.
However, Naidu’s decision to exit the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in 2018 has strained his relationship with the BJP.
Although the TDP chief has sought to repair the ties, the BJP has remained cool to his overtures.
Nevertheless, this has not affected Kalyan’s association with the BJP, as he expressed his admiration for Prime Minister Modi during the recent meeting in Hyderabad.
During the rally, Pawan Kalyan commended Prime Minister Modi for his strong stance on national security and ability to make decisions without simply seeking electoral gains.
He highlighted the accomplishments of the government, such as the revocation of Article 370, the ban on triple talaq, and the construction of the Ram Mandir.
Kalyan expressed his support for the Prime Minister’s commitment to the country’s development and internal security, stating that anyone who attacks India under Modi’s leadership will face consequences.
Upcoming Election in Telangana:
The assembly election in Telangana is scheduled for November 30, with the counting of votes set to take place on December 3.
This election holds great significance, as it coincides with vote-counting in four other states, namely Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Mizoram.
The alliance between Prime Minister Modi and Pawan Kalyan in Telangana marks an important political development.
With the BJP hoping to expand its footprint in the state and the actor’s formidable fan base on its side, this collaboration could significantly impact the political landscape in Telangana.
As the parties gear up for the upcoming assembly election, all eyes will be on the outcome, which could shape the future of politics in the state.
