HYDERABAD: Telugu Desam president and AP Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expects a hung Assembly in TS in 2019, and sees the TD playing a crucial role, if it retains its 15 Assembly seats. As part of his pre-election agenda that has already been blueprinted, Mr Naidu plans to tour TS in December and January. This will not just pump up the morale of the party cadre, but also cement the party position in the minds of the public. According to speculation, the elections could be advanced to October next year. TD leaders said a clearer picture will emerge on this after the Gujarat elections.

In the 2014 Assembly elections TD won 15 assembly seats in TS. According to members of Mr Naidu’s coterie, he told them that he expects a hung Assembly in TS. According to Mr. Naidu, many sections including students and the youth are distanced from the TRS. After completing five years, there would be some anti-incumbency, he said. Mr Naidu said that even when all sections supported the TRS with the statehood demand, the TRS could win only 68 seats. In the next elections, it would not be possible for the TRS to retain the seats.

On the other hand the Congress is picking up gradually, he said. Mr. Naidu told party leaders that the strengthening of the Congress and the loss of support to the TRS from several sections would benefit the TD. “If we retain even 15 seats in the next elections, in the event of hung Assembly TD will play a key role,” said Mr Naidu’s close associate. Mr Naidu asked the party leaders to identify the second line leaders in all districts. He asked party cadre not to agitate if senior leaders left the party, as the public was with the TD. Mr Naidu was of the opinion that even after a few senior leaders had left the party in some districts, TD had a strong cadre base.:We feel that once Mr Naidu tours Telangana, the party cadre will gain confidence and work hard in the elections”, said a Telangana TD leader.