N Chandrababu Naidu meets Shah amid talk of TDP interest in getting back to NDA fold

In the meeting, which came in the backdrop of speculation over a possible alliance between BJP and its former alliance partner TDP, the leaders are learnt to have discussed the possibility of coming together in Andhra Pradesh, where Naidu’s party is the main opposition, as also in Telangana.

The BJP leadership has made Telangana the party’s focus in its ‘Mission South’ and has been making inroads in local body elections in the state.

Sources said although Naidu, who broke ties with BJP in 2018 over the demand for special status for post-bifurcation Andhra Pradesh, has been keen on an electoral pact with BJP. A section of leaders in BJP’s state unit has, however, opposed any alliance with Naidu, as relationship between the two parties soured over the last few years. These leaders cite Naidu’s criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during 2019 Lok Sabha poll campaign, and subsequently his warming up to the Congress.

However, the debacle in Karnataka Assembly polls has made the BJP senior leadership focus on other states in South India, especially Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, where the party does not want any leverage for the Congress.

In the past, Shah had ruled out an alliance with TDP, but since last year Naidu has made multiple visits to Delhi to meet BJP leaders, including the Prim Minister. The TDP had also backed Droupadi Murmu, the NDA’s candidate for President’s election, last year.