Vijayawada: The gap between the TD and BJP is narrowing with the results of Nandyal by-polls and Kakinada Municipal Corporation.

Earlier there were speculations that the BJP might go with the YSRC. But the defeat of the YSRC in both the elections has left the BJP with no other option accept the TD, in both state and national politics, a senior TD leader said.

He said that the TD was also looking forward to go with the BJP and there were more chances of going to 2019 general elections in alliance.

Earlier, the appointment of Prime Minister Narendra Modi given to YSRC chief Jagan Mohan Reddy had given scope for wide speculations on the BJP not continuing its alliance with the TD for 2019 general elections. Even when BJP chief Amit Shah toured the state, many BJP leaders complained about the TD not giving scope for the party’s development in the state. In addition to this, Venkaiah Naidu being away from active politics and elected as Vice-President had furthered the speculations on breaking of alliance between the TD and BJP.

The Nandyal bypolls and the KMC elections at this juncture can be said as the restoring points of the TD-BJP alliance in the state. Though the BJP had not participated in the campaigning for Nandyal bypolls on the TD’s request, keeping Muslim minority votes in mind, in Kakinada; the alliance was restored and the BJP was given 9 divisions, when asked for 13 seats. Both the parties leaders had campaigned in a healthy atmosphere. The TD even financially supported the BJP in its divisions for their success.

A senior BJP MLC said, “Though there is discomfort among some TD leaders, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu’s priority to the BJP this time shows his intention of continuing with the TD-BJP alliance. We will be satisfied as long as the TD gives us priority in the state.”