Hyderabad: Telangana BJP chief N Ramchander Rao stated on Thursday that the national party will decide the alliance for the Telangana unit of the BJP, and they will contest the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) elections separately.
Speaking at the “Meet the Press” program to commemorate 12 years of Telangana formation, Rao said, “Pawan Kalyan’s Janasena is an NDA partner, but each state has its own political scenario. While the 2029 assembly elections are quite far away, it is the national party that will decide the alliances.”
His remarks take on political significance, as the Janasena chief recently held a press conference in Hyderabad, announcing his party’s re-entry into Telangana to contest in the GHMC elections. Importantly, he also expressed uncertainty about whether the NDA partner BJP would join in the contest.
The statement from Rao clarifies the BJP’s stance on the upcoming municipal polls, indicating a solo campaign strategy despite being part of the National Democratic Alliance at the national level. This decision is expected to shape the political landscape in Telangana, where the BJP has been strengthening its presence under Rao’s leadership.
Political analysts view this as a strategic move to assert the party’s independence in state affairs while maintaining alliance ties at the center. The GHMC elections are seen as a crucial test for the BJP in urban Telangana, especially after its improved performance in the 2023 assembly elections.
Rao further emphasized that the party’s organizational structure is robust and ready to take on the challenges of the municipal elections. He dismissed any speculation of a rift within the NDA, stating that alliance decisions are made based on state-specific political realities.
The Janasena Party, led by actor-politician Pawan Kalyan, had earlier signaled its intent to contest the GHMC polls independently, leaving the door open for an alliance with the BJP. However, Rao’s remarks suggest that the BJP is not currently considering a joint campaign with Janasena in Telangana.
As the political parties gear up for the GHMC elections, all eyes are on the BJP’s campaign strategy and its ability to consolidate its voter base in the city. The party is expected to announce its candidates and detailed plans in the coming weeks.
