It appears that the TDP has distanced itself from the BJP, given the provocative statements it has recently released. In his 'Yuva Galam' padayatra, the TDP's general secretary and former minister Nara Lokesh discussed Islamic banking and the GST, two topics that may have agitated the BJP.
During his interactions with Muslims, Lokesh claimed that an Islamic bank would be established if the TDP came to power. However, Islamic banks are not even present in most Muslim countries. Despite Lokesh not repeating this promise elsewhere, the BJP has remained uneasy about it.Lokesh has also caused a stir by promising handloom weavers that he would abolish the GST on their products if the TDP came to power. The BJP may find this statement equally contentious.
Political analysts believe that these statements could further complicate the TDP's chances of reconciling with the BJP before the 2024 election,
which the TDP is determined to win at any cost. However, the BJP has already indicated that it would rather go alone than form an alliance with the TDP.
To ensure that anti-YS Jagan Mohan Reddy votes are not split, the TDP is eager to establish a coalition with the Jana Sena and the BJP. But, with Lokesh's remarks, the BJP may harden its position regarding an alliance, according to political pundits.
