Andhra Pradesh elections 2024: How TDP is working to secure Muslim votes after return to NDA fold

Amid election campaigning, Chandrababu Naidu has made several promises targeting the Muslim community.

As the Andhra Pradesh elections draw near on May 13th, the political atmosphere is heating up, with the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and its former Chief Minister, Chandrababu Naidu, working diligently to secure the Muslim vote. This comes after the TDP's controversial decision to rejoin the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which includes the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Jana Sena Party (JSP), raising concerns about losing minority support.

Amid election campaigning, Naidu has made several promises targeting the Muslim community. Among them is the Dulhan scheme, which promises ₹1 lakh to Muslim brides if the coalition comes to power. "The welfare of Muslim minorities is a top priority for the TDP, and we alone can ensure their development," Naidu declared during the Ramzan festivities in Nidadavole, West Godavari district. He reminded attendees of his previous tenure's accomplishments, such as establishing a Muslim Welfare Corporation, initiating an Urdu University in Kurnool, and constructing Haj Houses in Hyderabad and Vijayawada.
However, Naidu criticized the current administration under the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) for halting the progress on the Haj House in Kadapa and discontinuing the financial support for Haj pilgrims, measures his administration had put in place.

Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, who is a Lok Sabha candidate from Srikakulam for the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), has accused the YSRCP government of withdrawing all the benefits that the TDP had previously introduced for the Muslim community. Naidu's criticism was echoed by other TDP leaders, who also emphasized the need for continued TDP support in the upcoming elections.

The TDP's new alliance with the BJP has faced criticism from some sections of the Muslim community. The Andhra Pradesh Muslim Parirakshana Samithi has been vocal in its opposition, with Lal Ahmed Ghouse, the state's general secretary, warning against the communal implications of such a coalition. Ghouse stated that any party that joins hands with the BJP is viewed as being anti-Muslim, a sentiment that is widely shared on social media and community forums. There are concerns about the potential impact of BJP-influenced policies such as the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) among the Muslim community.

Naidu is determined to ensure the safety and development of Muslims despite facing various challenges. During a rally in Madanapalle, Chittoor district, he reassured the public that the alliance with BJP is aimed at the state's progress and not at compromising the welfare of any community.

Opposition voices, including YSRCP lawmaker Mohd Hafeez Khan, claim that their support for the BJP is only based on issues, and they are against any discriminatory policies. Khan clarified that they have always advocated for amendments to ensure that the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) is acceptable to everyone, unlike the TDP’s outright alliance.

Naidu has been reminding the Muslim community of his administration's past initiatives that significantly improved their living conditions to regain their support. However, with less than 10% of the Muslim vote traditionally leaning towards the YSRCP, Naidu faces a tough challenge as he tries to mitigate the fallout from his party's alliance with the BJP.

Party insiders are concerned about the impact of the alliance with the BJP on the TDP's prospects in specific constituencies in Guntur, Krishna, Nellore districts, and Rayalaseema. These areas have a substantial Muslim vote, which could be decisive. This alliance could lose trust among minority voters, affecting the TDP's chances of winning in these regions.

Although the BJP secured less than 1% of the vote share in the 2019 elections, a senior Rayalaseema leader rationalized the coalition, citing strategic election management and the need for central forces to offset potential misuse of state resources by the YSRCP as primary motives.

However, the TDP's 2019 electoral defeat remains a concern. Hostilities with the BJP and targeted actions by central agencies against TDP leaders contributed to their loss. A party official remarked that the new alliance could relieve party funders and leaders by reducing pressure from central agencies.

Many members of the TDP endorse the alliance despite internal concerns. They hope that the BJP's potential continuation at the centre will protect the interests of Andhra Pradesh. Nara Lokesh, TDP general secretary, has called this alliance a critical juncture for the state. On social media platform X, he stated, "This is a momentous time for Andhra Pradesh, which has endured some of its darkest days over the past five years. Our coalition is not just a political necessity but a crucial step towards revitalizing the state and enhancing the lives of its people."

However, as election day approaches, the TDP's complex strategy of aligning with a national coalition while addressing local minority concerns poses a significant risk. It will profoundly influence the party's political destiny in the days ahead.