Which Party Will Get Benefit If TDP Not Contested?

It’s now official that the TDP will not be participating in the upcoming Telangana General Elections. It’s been reported that Chandrababu Naidu conveyed this decision to TDP-TS president Kasani Gnyaneshwar. Kasani had met with Chandrababu in Rajamahendravaram Central Jail and expressed TDP’s desire to enter the electoral arena in Telangana.

Reportedly, Chandrababu replied to Kasani, saying, “If the TDP succeeds in Andhra Pradesh, the party will naturally gain strength in Telangana. It’s better to refrain from hasty competition and later regretting unsatisfactory results. When the TDP is fully prepared and participates in elections, it will yield better outcomes.”

The million-dollar question now is, where will the TDP’s vote bank go in the Telangana elections? Whether it’s 7% or 10% of the vote share, the TDP has its own voter base in the state. Reflecting on the political landscape of 2018, the TDP formed an alliance with the Congress, which was hard to digest for the cadre of both parties.

There was little mutual transfer of votes between the two parties in 2018, with 60% of TDP voters and 90% of settlers from Andhra Pradesh choosing to vote for the TRS. However, the situation has undergone a significant transformation. Despite the TDP’s decision not to contest in the elections, Telangana’s political landscape is still heavily influenced by TDP President Chandrababu Naidu.

People in Telangana have strongly condemned his arrest and firmly believe that the BJP played a significant role in his detention. Furthermore, KTR’s perceived arrogance following CBN’s arrest has added to the political dynamics.

Observing these developments, it’s likely that 90% of TDP voters and settlers may not vote for the BRS this time. Anticipating this ground reality, BRS MLAs have taken part in protests in support of CBN. Even KTR has changed his stance to show support for CBN, but it may be too late to mend the political damage. BRS is digging it’s own grave. Congress might get benefitted with TDP decision.