Naidu puts BJP in fix over AP liquor scam

SNCN ACHARYULU
The BJP which wants to strengthen its base in the south is in the clear in Telangana. But Andhra Pradesh politics has become a big headache for the BJP. The BJP is facing problems in choosing between the TDP and the YSR Congress in Andhra Pradesh.
The BJP which is in power in Andhra Pradesh as a partner of the TDP is not ready to dump the YSR Congress as the support of the YSR Congress is very important for the BJP in the Rajya Sabha where the YSRC has 11 Members.
In Telangana, at present the ruling Congress, the main opposition BRS and the BJP are the main players. The BJP will not mind if the BRS joins the NDA. If the BRS joins the NDA there will be a direct fight between the Congress and the BRS, BJP alliance in TG. Compared to Andhra Pradesh, the BJP is on a strong wicket in Telangana.
The BJP has a chance to strengthen itself in Andhra Pradesh as it is now in power. Earlier, when the YSR Congress was in power it supported the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre. At the same time the then main opposition TDP also supported the Centre. The BJP wants to continue the same arrangement now too.
The YSR Congress supported the BJP in the Lok Sabha Speaker election. But now the TDP’s decision in the so-called liquor scam that occurred during YSRCP rule has become a problem for the BJP.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu said that there was a big scam due to the YSR Congress government’s liquor policy and that he wants to hand over the case to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for investigation.
If the Centre accepts the AP request to order an ED investigation into the AP liquor scam it will antagonise former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy. Then he will dump the BJP and the Congress-led INDIA is ready to admit the YSRC as a partner. Then INDIA will become stronger in the Rajya Sabha as well as in the Lok Sabha.
The BJP does not want this to happen. Moreover, there were speculations that a senior BJP leader is also involved in this liquor scam. But as a partner in the Andhra Pradesh Government if the BJP-led Central Government does not accept the TDP request to order an ED inquiry into the AP liquor scam the Centre will get involved in the problem.
The Congress and other opposition parties will allege that the Centre is protecting Jagan and the BJP leader allegedly involved in the liquor scam. As things stand Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu has put the BJP in a fix in the AP liquor scam.