In a surprising turn of events, the opposition INDIA alliance is giving the ruling NDA a tough fight, performing better than expected. Current trends suggest that due to the efforts of Congress and the INDIA alliance, BJP-NDA might secure fewer seats than anticipated. Now, all eyes are on Andhra Pradesh, where TDP leader Chandrababu Naidu could play a pivotal role as a potential kingmaker in the national scenario.
Chandrababu Naidu as the Kingmaker:
The TDP-Jana Sena-BJP alliance is expected to win the 2024 Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections. This coalition's success is dismantling the YSRCP strongholds. Notably, TDP, under Chandrababu Naidu's leadership, is also performing well in the Lok Sabha elections.
Out of the total 25 Lok Sabha seats in Andhra Pradesh, TDP is leading in 14. Interestingly, TDP contested only 17 seats but, along with its allies, is leading in 22 seats. YSRCP is leading in 2 seats, and Congress in 1.
At the national level, as of 11:03 AM, NDA is leading in 285 seats, while the INDIA alliance is ahead in 231 seats, with others leading in 26 seats. The majority mark in the Lok Sabha is 272. If the current trend continues and NDA wins 285 seats, the seats secured by TDP under Chandrababu Naidu will be crucial for NDA.
Chandrababu Naidu's return from jail in November 2023 to a sweeping victory has become a hot topic. Political analysts believe that his time in jail worked in his favor, increasing anti-incumbency against YSRCP, which is reflected in the current election results.
From 2014 to 2019, TDP was part of NDA but left due to disagreements over special status for Andhra Pradesh. This time, to defeat YSRCP's Jagan Mohan Reddy, TDP has allied with Jana Sena and BJP.
