Following his leadership in a significant electoral victory, N Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday quashed speculation about a potential alliance switch to the INDIA bloc, reaffirming his commitment to the NDA.

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP), under Naidu’s leadership, is poised to negotiate several critical demands as discussions begin on forming a BJP-led coalition government at the Centre. Key among these demands are Special Category Status (SCS) for Andhra Pradesh, Cabinet positions, including a role for his son, and financial support for the development of Amaravati, the capital city he originally envisioned.

TDP’s impressive performance in Andhra Pradesh, securing 16 out of 17 contested Lok Sabha seats and 135 of the 175 Assembly seats, has strengthened its bargaining position. With the BJP falling short of a majority at the Centre, TDP’s significant presence as the second-largest NDA constituent enhances its leverage.

Naidu, who will be sworn in as Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister on June 9, expressed his commitment to the NDA and dismissed any rumors of an alliance shift. “I am heading to New Delhi to attend the NDA meeting. I will inform you if there are any developments,” he stated before departing for the national capital.

Sources indicate that Naidu will likely push for SCS for Andhra Pradesh, an issue that previously caused TDP to exit the NDA in 2018. Achieving SCS would provide the state with substantial Central funds as grants and offer various industrial incentives, including tax exemptions and GST concessions.

Naidu is also expected to request additional funding from the Centre to revive the development of Amaravati as the state capital. The project faced a halt after the YSR Congress (YSRCP) led by Jagan Mohan Reddy came to power in 2019, leaving many structures built during Naidu’s previous term vacant and infrastructure deteriorating.

Another significant demand will be the completion funds for the long-delayed Polavaram project, a commitment Naidu made during his election campaign. Additionally, TDP insiders reveal that Naidu aims to secure key positions in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Cabinet and may even seek the Speaker’s role. Elevating his son, Nara Lokesh, who won his first Assembly seat from Mangalagiri, to a national role is also on the agenda.

Naidu, accusing the Jagan administration of widespread corruption, is likely to call on the NDA to authorize Central agencies to investigate the alleged scams involving Jagan’s government.