NDA reaches seat-sharing consensus in Andhra, but Naidu and Pawan differ on significance of local polls

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) coalition partners in Andhra Pradesh have reached a “consensus” over seat sharing in local body elections, and have resolved to maintain the “coalition spirit” that was shown during the 2024 general elections.

The NDA leaders described the negotiations as a major exercise that required the partners to overcome differences and arrive at a common understanding. They, however, are divided on the outcome of polls. While the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) National President and Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has stated that local body elections were “mid term appraisal” of the NDA government in the State, Jana Sena Party (JSP) Chief and Deputy Chief minister Pawan Kalyan chose to say that the “polls are not a referendum” in the NDA.

Mr. Naidu, Mr. Pawan Kalyan addressed a press conference along with the BJP State president P.V.N. Madhav at CM Camp Office near Vijayawada on Tuesday (October 27, 2026).

The discussions over seat sharing were of its kind in history and not devoid of difference of opinion on outcomes.

Mr. Naidu said, “I have never seen this kind of discussions over local bodies elections in my 50 years of political life.” Even though there were alliances in the past, this is the first time that threadbare discussions at high command level took place. Earlier, local leaders used to manage following broad guidelines and alliance understandings, he said

Mr. Pawan Kalyan noted that while general elections, such as MLA and MP elections, could be handled more straightforwardly, approaching the local body elections was treated as a significant challenge. The alliance partners had to carefully work out adjustments across a large number of local bodies, where party workers and local leaders were aspiring for opportunities to contest, he said, adding, “it is not that there were no challenges in seat sharing during 2024 elections. It was not a cake walk then as well but this time it is wider.”

Describing the process as a “churning of the ocean”, Mr. Madhav said the discussions eventually helped the three parties reach a consensus and work together.

Mr. Naidu said, “Alliance leaders and workers must work only for the candidates who have been allotted the official B-forms. We will ensure justice for the others who have filed nominations.”

“Direct elections will ensure stable leadership and help people elect capable leaders. We have given opportunities to educated candidates, youth and people with integrity and honesty. The level of scrutiny and effort we have put into candidate selection this time is greater than what we did even during the general elections.”

“We have a double-engine government in place now, and we are seeking a triple-engine government. If people give the alliance an opportunity at the local level as well, alongside the Centre and the State, the pace of development will accelerate,” he added.