2024 Andhra Pradesh Lok Sabha Election: PM Narendra Modi Absent from Chandrababu Naidu-Pawan Kalyan Manifesto

Leaders of the NDA criticized a comment made by Jagan Mohan Reddy, accusing him of attempting to sow discord within the alliance. This reaction was prompted by a video of a manifesto release ceremony, in which BJP state in-charge Siddharth Nath Singh was seen refusing to accept a copy.

Jagan Mohan Reddy claimed that an earlier version of the manifesto prominently featured photos of Chandrababu Naidu alongside PM Modi, but that the BJP headquarters called to express that having PM Modi’s photo on it was unacceptable. He used this incident to underscore his belief that Naidu’s promises are unattainable, although Naidu later issued a clarification.

Naidu explained that the NDA’s manifesto at the national level was being released in consultation with the TDP and Jana Sena, incorporating the views of all parties. Earlier this year, Naidu had rejoined the NDA, six years after exiting in protest against the BJP’s denial of special category status to Andhra Pradesh.

His return was intended to counter the ruling YSR Congress led by Mr. Reddy. The alliance with the BJP and Pawan Kalyan was expected to consolidate the votes of those disenchanted with the Jagan Reddy government.

Naidu has declared that this year’s election will be his last if the Telugu Desam Party is not elected. In 2019, the TDP’s seat count dropped to three after leaving the NDA, having previously held 15 of the state’s 25 seats.