BJP, Jana Sena announce alliance, join hands again

Old allies Jana Sena and BJP came together once again and announced an alliance on Thursday, seeking to emerge as the "third alternative" in Andhra Pradesh.

The reunion of the two parties, which comes after a separation of three years due to what they termed "communication gap," may alter the political scenario in the state, where the local body elections are round the corner.

Describing it as a "historic and important development," Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan and state BJP president Kanna Lakshmi Narayana announced the alliance at a press conference, after a four-hour-long meeting of leaders of the two parties in Vijayawada on Thursday.

They exuded confidence that the partnership would clinch power in the state in 2024.

Right from the upcoming polls to the local bodies, the alliance will go on to fight the 2024 general elections as well.

"Our alliance is intended to protect the state," they said.

Alleging that the YSRC government completely failed the people in a very short time, the alliance leaders promised to fight against its policies.

The state BJP chief said the Sena agreed to ally with his party "unconditionally" in the interest of Andhra Pradesh and its people.

A coordination committee would soon be constituted with leaders of the two parties to carry forward their agenda.

Pointing to the "communication gap" beween his party and the BJP, which led to a fallout three years ago, Kalyan said, "We held a series of discussions over the past few months and bridged that gap. Thus, we are back in alliance."