As the general elections draw closer, it is the national parties that normally look out for new regional allies to improve their prospects and the numbers that will become crucial in the government formation after the polls.
However, the trend has reversed for the Telugu Desam Party which appears to be desperate to hook on to a national party to boost its prospects in the 2014 elections.
The TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu is showing signs of desperation to join hands with the BJP ahead of elections. He is left friendless in the state politics.
In the 2009 polls, the TDP had led "Maha Kootami" (grand alliance) comprising Telangana Rashtra Samithi, CPI and CPI (M).
However, this time around, Naidu is left with no friends in the changed political dynamics. He is fully aware of the fact his party would face severe drubbing in the present circumstances.
Naidu wants his party to move closer to BJP, a party he had once dubbed as communal.
The tone and tenor of his address at the TDP's brain-storming session suggests that he is keen on forging an alliance with the saffron party, given the growing popularity of Narendra Modi.
On Telangana statehood issue also, Naidu perceives a shift in the BJP's stance as it is now demanding "equal justice" to the Seemandhra before dividing the state.
The TDP is of the view that the Congress would face rout in the coming elections and the BJP would be in a position to form the government at the Centre. Naidu wants to play an important role at national level by aligning himself with the Modi-led NDA.
