The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) recently held a parliamentary party meeting chaired by party president N. Chandrababu Naidu. During this meeting, the TDP decided to ask the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to allocate five cabinet positions to TDP leaders and two positions to its ally, Jana Sena, at the Centre.

TDP negotiates 5 Centre, 2 Jana Sena
Image by Hindustan Times

The TDP also expressed its intention to seek special status for Andhra Pradesh. This request is based on the fact that Andhra Pradesh lost its major revenue source, Hyderabad, due to the state’s bifurcation in 2014. The TDP MPs present at the meeting emphasized that their request for ministerial posts is based on the special package promised to Andhra Pradesh during the state’s reorganization. They view special status as crucial for securing central grants for key development projects within the state.

The TDP pledged its unwavering support to the NDA throughout its term, regardless of the BJP’s choice for its legislative party leader. Among the party’s top priorities is securing grants for backward districts in Andhra Pradesh, specifically aiming to address the needs of seven districts—three from Uttara Andhra and four from the Rayalaseema region.

Kalama Srinivasulu, a prominent TDP leader, outlined their plans, which include requesting a 50-50 share in the metro project for Vijayawada, industry and power subsidies for five years, continued support for the Sagarmala project, and the development of other major infrastructure projects.

The TDP also highlighted that the Special Development Projects (SDP) Fund was discontinued after the first two years of the state’s formation. Additionally, Andhra Pradesh has not received grants under the Jal Jeevan project, which aims to provide piped drinking water to households across the country. The TDP’s request for the water resources ministry aims to ensure that all households in Andhra Pradesh are covered under this essential scheme.

Vemulapati Ajaya Kumar, the national spokesperson of the Jana Sena Party, expressed their support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s candidature. Kumar emphasized that Pawan Kalyan played a crucial role in stitching together the alliance in Andhra Pradesh. While committed to supporting the NDA government throughout its term, the Jana Sena Party also made it clear that they aspire to actively participate in governance and contribute to the government’s functioning.

As the TDP moves forward, it is scheduled to hold the Telugu Desam Legislative Party meeting on June 11. During this meeting, ministerial positions for Jana Sena and BJP candidates will be decided, further shaping the dynamics of the Andhra Pradesh government formation.

You might also be interested in: Andhra election campaign gains momentum with party-branded condom packets