A week ahead of Nandyal by-elections, national media published a report on YSR Congress party joining the National Democratic Alliance. Instead of condemning immediately or for that matter strongly responding to the speculation, YSRCP choose to give a subtle reaction. On the other hand, the local Bharatiya Janata Party leadership did not diffuse the rumours, in its place added fuel to the fire.

Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu marched into people unaided. He neither took help from BJP nor used the buzz word “MODI” to garner votes. Evidently the BJP National leadership was closely monitoring the Nandyal by-elections which was deemed as referendum for the three years TDP rule.

Amit Shah who is aiming for 350 Lok Sabha seats in 2019 elections, had a dual stance when it came to Andhra Pradesh before Nandyal voted. He even postponed his trip to AP. However, after Nandyal polled and surveys indicated TDP’s win, BJP National President said they don’t need new friends in AP.

This was echoed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi following the bypoll results. Words from him like “our valued NDA ally”, made it loud and clear that lotus and cycle are confederates and will continue the alliance even in 2019.

TDP won the elections with thumping majority of around 27000 votes. The saffron brigade would have categorically initiated steps to part ways, had TDP underperformed. Nonetheless Nandyal bypoll result is not only referendum for Chandrababu’s three-year rule, but also a clear sign that TDP and BJP will go strong until 2019 elections.