Modi goes silent against Jagan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech at the first NDA public meeting at Boppudi, near Chilakalruipet of palnadu district in AP on Sunday, attracted attention as he refrained from directly targeting the ruling YSRCP, contrary to expectations from opposition parties TDP and JSP.
Modi steered clear of contentious issues like the sluggish progress of the Polavaram project, the three capitals dispute, lack of development or misrule, paucity of funds, irregularities and breakdown of law and order as alleged by TDP and Jana Sena. While he acknowledged internal competition among Cabinet Ministers for corruption, he made no explicit criticism of the State government.
Modi urged support to secure over 400 seats in the upcoming elections, emphasising the need for a ‘double engine’ government in Andhra Pradesh for holistic development. He highlighted the NDA’s commitment to national progress and praised efforts by leaders like Naidu and Pawan Kalyan.
In a veiled dig at the opposition, Modi criticised the Congress’ tendency to discard leaders after use. He also cautioned against potential vote splitting due to familial ties between YSRCP and Congress members.
Despite expectations of a confrontational stance, Modi’s speech was seen as tactically crafted to suit the current political landscape. Analysts speculate that BJP’s aim for a third consecutive victory in 2024 might necessitate collaboration with YSRCP, leading to a restrained approach.
Modi’s decision to commence election campaigning from Andhra Pradesh, a state with minimal BJP presence, raised eyebrows. Some question the strategic move, considering stronger party footholds elsewhere.
The rally also saw Modi commemorating NTR’s centenary and announcing the Bharat Ratna for PV Narasimha Rao, diverting attention from anticipated attacks on YSRCP.
Pawan Kalyan, once aligned closely with Modi, appeared sidelined at the event, fuelling speculation about BJP’s evolving alliances and priorities.
As political circles debate Modi’s calculated silence in Andhra Pradesh, it remains to be seen how his approach will impact the upcoming elections.
Modi said NDA’s aim is for ‘Viksit Bharat’ build ‘Viksit Andhra Pradesh’ and that during the past ten years, 25 crore people were lifted up from poverty.
“Yesterday, the schedule for the Lok Sabha polls was announced. The whole country says that on June 4 (counting day), it is over 400 (seats for NDA),” the PM said.
Asserting that the NDA’s aim is for ‘Viksit Bharat’ and to build ‘Viksit Andhra Pradesh’, he said a double-engine NDA government in Andhra Pradesh will ensure speedy development of the state.
In the entire world, the NDA government’s developmental works are being discussed, Modi said.