Today in Politics: Is BJP set to seal alliance with TDP, JSP? Buzz grows as Naidu, Pawan Kalyan meet Amit Shah, Nadda

Naidu arrived in Delhi from Hyderabad earlier in the day, when TDP national spokesperson Jyothsna Tirunagar said he will meet Shah. “An announcement (on the alliance) is likely to be made in a day or two,” she told The Indian Express.

This is Naidu’s second visit to Delhi to meet the BJP top brass since last month. Andhra Pradesh BJP chief D Purnadeswari is already camping in the national capital.

“This (Naidu’s) visit will be to finalise the tie-up with the BJP, if possible. As there is not much time left for election notification, we want to get a clarity on the alliance,” TDP sources said.

TDP insiders said the party is ready to offer the BJP 5-6 Lok Sabha seats and about 15 Assembly seats. There are 175 Assembly constituencies and 25 Lok Sabha seats in Andhra Pradesh, where Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy-led YSRCP has been in power.

The TDP is already in alliance with the JSP. Recently, the TDP-JSP combine released their first list of 99 candidates for the Assembly polls. The JSP will contest from 24 Assembly seats and three Lok Sabha constituencies.

Women’s Day

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to make some announcements on the occasion of International Women’s Day on Friday.

In the run-up to the Lok Sabha polls, the ruling BJP has been making attempts to expand its support base among women in several key states in a bid to overcome perceived disenchantment among a section of people over issues like unemployment, inflation and farm distress.

Meanwhile, President Droupadi Murmu greeted citizens on the eve of International Women’s Day and said it is an important occasion to emphasise the need to provide equal opportunities for women and empower them in all spheres of life.

The day is dedicated to recognising the achievements of women and their efforts in raising awareness about gender equality and women’s rights, President Murmu said.

“Even today, women face several challenges which we need to address,” the President said.

National Creators Award

PM Modi will present the first-ever National Creators Award at the Bharat Mandapam Friday.

The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said, in a statement, that the award is an effort to recognise excellence and impact across domains, including storytelling, social change advocacy, environmental sustainability, education and gaming.

“The National Creator Award has witnessed exemplary public engagement. In the first round, more than 1.5 lakh nominations across 20 different categories were received. Subsequently, in the voting round, about 10 lakh votes were cast for digital creators in various award categories. Following this, 23 winners, including three international creators, were decided,” the PMO said.

The award will be given across 20 categories, including best storyteller, the disruptor, celebrity creator, green champion, best creator for social change, most impactful agri creator, cultural ambassador, best travel creator, swachhta ambassador, new India champion, tech creator, heritage fashion, most creative creator (male and female), best creator in food category, best creator in education and international creator award.

Modi in North-east

PM Modi is going to be in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh for two days.

Ahead of Modi’s visit, the All Assam Students’ Union and other regional organisations launched their protest against the proposed implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act with bike rallies across the state on Thursday.

The PM will visit Kaziranga National Park, inaugurate a 125-foot statue of legendary Ahom general Lachit Borphukan, address a public meeting in Jorhat, hand over 5 lakh PM Awas Yojana houses to beneficiaries, inaugurate the Tinsukia Medical College & Hospital, and lay the foundation for a Sivasagar Medical College & Hospital, among other projects.

Rahul Yatra in Godhra

Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, on its second day in Gujarat on Friday, will proceed to Limkheda, Godhra, Kalol, and Halol, where he will also pay obeisance at a temple. The Yatra will then proceed to Bodeli in Chhota Udepur, where he will halt for the night before continuing his journey to South Gujarat on Saturday.

Rahul will take part in a padyatra from Godhra bus stand and address a gathering. The Yatra will then head to Pavagadh, Shivrajpur, Jambughoda and Panchmahal. He will stay the night in Jambughoda on Friday night.

– With PTI inputs