Telugu Desam Party (TDP) president N Chandrababu Naidu held talks with Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP president JP Nadda on Thursday, rekindling speculation about a potential alliance between the two parties for the upcoming Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh. This meeting marks the second such interaction between Mr Naidu and Mr Shah in as many months.

Another round of talks between TDP and BJP will take place in Delhi today while an official announcement regarding the alliance is anticipated within the next day or two.

The TDP was a crucial part of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) until 2018, when Mr Naidu, then the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, decided to exit over concerns regarding financial support for the state. Now, as elections loom on the horizon, both parties appear open to the idea of joining forces, provided they can reach a mutually agreeable seat-sharing arrangement.

According to sources, the key focus of the discussions revolved around the potential alliance and the intricacies of seat distribution. While both parties express a willingness to collaborate, the final decision hinges on resolving differences over the number of seats each party would contest. 

Andhra Pradesh boasts 25 Lok Sabha and 175 Assembly seats, and the BJP is reportedly keen on contesting eight to ten parliamentary constituencies. However, the BJP might settle for five to six Lok Sabha seats if an alliance materialises, with the  Pawan Kalyan-led Jana Sena Party (JSP) contesting three and the TDP retaining the remainder.

BJP is reportedly seeking key constituencies including Vizag, Vijayawada, Araku, Rajampet, Rajahmundry, Tirupati, and one additional location. It is projected that they may secure 4-6 seats, while Jana Sena might secure three seats, including Machilipatnam for Balashowree. 

The JSP, a former NDA member, has already joined hands with the TDP and is actively urging the BJP to follow suit. Mr Kalyan himself participated in the meeting with Mr Shah. The JSP has already been allotted three Lok Sabha and 24 Assembly seats. 

The BJP, eyeing a decisive victory in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, has been working towards expanding the NDA. With a target of winning 370 seats on its own and 400 with allies, the party sees partnering with regional parties aligned with its agenda as crucial for success. Besides Andhra Pradesh, the BJP is also expected to announce a poll pact with the Naveen Patnaik-led Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in Odisha. 

The star-studded screening of Shaitaan was held last night. In attendance was the film’s team – Ajay Devgn, R Madhavan, Jyotika and director Amit Sharma. Several celebrities including Kartik Aaryan, Jaideep Ahlawat and Karan Johar were in attendance.

Jyotika’s husband, actor Suriya arrived on the red carpet to show his support. Meanwhile, Ajay Devgn’s son Yug also posed with his father.

Check out the photos here:

A joyous occasion turned into one of grief in South Delhi after a gym owner was stabbed to death hours before his wedding on Wednesday. Gaurav Singhal, 29, was allegedly killed by his father Rangalal, who has been arrested, said the police on Friday.

Rangalal carried out the murder out of anger since Gaurav used to insult him every day, the cops said.

Gaurav, who ran the gym Fit Box, was stabbed 15 times in his face and chest at his home in Devli Extension and he died at the spot, they added.

The murder had taken place hours before he was about to tie the knot, said police, adding that it was an arranged marriage.

Guests were waiting for his wedding procession to begin with loud music blaring in the area. Gaurav, however, was missing from the celebrations.

A frantic search soon led the guests to his body in the park, turning the joyous occasion into one of grief and mourning.

He was found in a pool of blood at Raju Park during the early hours of Thursday and declared dead at a nearby hospital, said Deputy Commissioner of Police (South Delhi) Ankit Chauhan.

His father went missing soon after, prompting a manhunt and his swift arrest by the evening.

The arrest came as a surprise to the victim’s relatives who had earlier ruled out any foul play from the family side.