Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is keen to emerge from the shadows and play a bigger role in Andhra Pradesh’s political landscape in the wake of its fine showing in four States even as the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and other parties appear to re-assess their position vis-à-vis the BJP.
Buoyed by the results, the BJP leadership feels the prospects are bright to increase its voting percentage, particularly in Telangana. While overall it was around seven per cent, the party hopes to increase it to 16 per cent in general in the region and up to 25 per cent in some constituencies. Secunderabad, Mahabubnagar and Medak Lok Sabha seats were cited as some of the constituencies where it was expected to put up a good show.
On the possibility of tie-ups, the party would like to adopt a wait and watch policy. In case the State’s bifurcation issue gets settled before the elections, there would not be any negative impact even if the BJP joined hands with the TDP in Telangana, averred a senior leader.
Besides, the party’s central leadership need not necessarily toe the line of the State leaders even if they were against an alliance with the TDP before the bifurcation. While the party would seek to consolidate itself in Seemandhra post-bifurcation, the possibility of having an understanding with the TDP could not be ruled, he added.
Another leader said post-election both YSR Congress and Telangana Rashtra Samiti might prefer to sail with a combination that would come to power at the Centre. As far as the BJP was concerned, it would consider two aspects before stitching up any alliance -- the need for providing stable government and a clear and unambiguous opposition to the Congress, he added.
But the immediate focus of the party now was to enrol the maximum number of young voters and women. Special efforts were being made to target voters in the 18-35 years age group and women, senior party leader Bandaru Dattatreya said.
