Pawan Kalyan has done something many thought was impossible: he has brought together the TDP, BJP, and Janasena for a common cause. In the recent elections, this alliance won 164 out of 175 seats, leaving the YSR Congress far behind. At first glance, everything seems fine. Chandrababu Naidu, Lokesh, and Pawan Kalyan praise each other in public and show a strong, united front. But there is one big problem: Janasena’s supporters are still unsure about the alliance.
Janasena’s Doubts About the Alliance
While many Janasena supporters feel comfortable with the BJP, they are still skeptical about TDP. The big question that keeps coming up is: will Pawan Kalyan ever get a real chance to lead, or is he just clearing the way for Lokesh to take over, while he remains in the background?
A Long-Standing Divide
This mistrust goes way back. The rivalry between the Kamma and Kapu communities has been a part of Andhra Pradesh’s politics for many years. The 1980s murder of Vangaveeti Ranga only deepened this divide. Many Kapus are suspicious of TDP, even though they may vote for it. The rivalry extends into the film industry as well, with Kamma supporters backing Nandamuri heroes, and Kapu supporters backing the Mega family. In Andhra Pradesh, cinema and politics are deeply connected.
Janasena’s clean sweep in 2024, winning all 21 seats, gave Kapus a sense of power they had been waiting for. Many believe that Pawan Kalyan is their best hope for change. His appointment as Deputy Chief Minister has only strengthened this belief. But here’s the truth: having a position doesn’t mean having real power. Right now, Janasena is not in control.
BJP’s Silent Strategy
Many Janasena supporters see BJP as their real ally, unlike TDP. However, they fail to see the bigger picture. BJP has a history of turning against its allies when they no longer need them. Take the example of Shiv Sena. It was once one of BJP’s oldest allies, but when Modi and Shah decided it was no longer useful, they broke the alliance. Today, Shiv Sena is a shadow of its former self. The same thing could happen to Janasena.
At present, BJP is supporting Pawan Kalyan. But this support will only last as long as Janasena helps BJP expand its influence in Andhra Pradesh. Once Janasena becomes strong enough to challenge BJP, the situation will change. If Pawan Kalyan does not merge Janasena with BJP, the party will weaken him when the time comes.
A Warning for Janasena Cadre
TDP understands BJP’s strategy well, which is why Chandrababu Naidu is handling this alliance carefully. He is making sure neither BJP nor Janasena becomes too powerful. But Janasena supporters, who are new to politics, are missing the warning signs. They are celebrating short-term victories without preparing for the long-term challenges.
Janasena cannot afford to ignore reality any longer. If its supporters don’t work to strengthen the party, they will remain a junior partner, unable to control their future. Time is running out, and history is likely to repeat itself. Janasena must rise to take control, or it will remain a pawn in someone else’s political game.
