Pawan Kalyan Quits NDA To Support TDP Leader Chandrababu Naidu Amid Protests

In yet another blow to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), the Jana Sena Party has opted to part ways with the alliance in support of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP). Pawan Kalyan, the chief of the Jana Sena Party, announced his decision to withdraw from the BJP-led NDA and back the TDP.

Actor-turned-politician Pawan Kalyan said, "The Telugu Desam Party is a formidable force, and Andhra Pradesh requires its governance for the state's progress. Currently, the TDP is facing challenges, and we will stand by them. In this situation, the TDP requires the support of Jana Sena. If the TDP and Jana Sena unite, it will have a significant impact on the YSRCP government in the state."

Earlier, the JSP had revealed its intention to contest in the upcoming Telangana Assembly elections 2023, marking its debut in the state. The party has selected 32 constituencies, with a majority of them situated in urban areas in and around Hyderabad, along with a few in Khammam and Nalgonda districts.

Recently, following the arrest of TDP chief N. Chandrababu Naidu, the JSP announced its partnership with the TDP for the Andhra Pradesh elections.

The TDP had previously declared its intentions to contest in Telangana and even conducted a public meeting in Khammam.

It must be noted that TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu is in judicial custody after he was arrested in connection with an alleged multi-crore skill development scam case on September 9. His arrest sparked widespread protests by TDP supporters throughout the state.

Earlier, the AIADMK in Tamil Nadu, on September 25, made the decision to sever ties with the NDA, intending to form a coalition with like-minded parties in preparation for the upcoming Lok Sabha election.

AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami explained that the party's departure from the alliance was a result of respecting the sentiments of party workers, emphasizing that this decision was driven by their feelings. He stated, "Recent events have deeply affected our party workers. A party worker's dedication is to the party's success and welfare, and our decision is a response to the sentiments of our party workers."