While interacting with Jana Sena Party workers on Saturday, party president Pawan Kalyan made an interesting comment that he would adopt a “middle path” in the coming assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh.
Though nobody understood what Pawan meant by “middle path,” it is expected that he would not align with the Telugu Desam Party or YSR Congress party, but would go it alone in the elections.
He has already declared that his party would contest in all the assembly seats in the state. He also claimed that his party has already achieved the first victory with both the TDP and YSRC extending a friendly hand to him.
Now the question is how much impact Jana Sena Party will have on both the parties?
Apparently, TDP president and chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu is afraid that Pawan Kalyan might eat into the votes of the TDP, rather than anti-establishment vote. That is why he and his party leaders have been asking Pawan to join hands with the TDP to fight against the BJP.
Particularly in East and West Godavari districts which are dominated by Kapu community, Pawan has a lot of craze among the youth and he can split a good chunk of votes.
Since the TDP had almost swept both the districts in the 2014 elections, it would be the biggest loser if Pawan contests alone this time.
However, analysts say Pawan can also make some difference in Rayalaseema districts where the YSRC is a big force. If he can split the anti-establishment vote there, it will help the TDP.
All in all, the Pawan factor will only result in playing spoil sport with the chances of both the parties. Which party he can damage more will decide the poll outcome, say analysts.
