Modi’s approach differs in T-states

SNCN ACHARYULU
Hyderabad

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Telugu states twice in the last four months. Last time he went to Andhra Pradesh from Telangana and this time he came to Telangana from AP.

Both Telugu states are ruled by non-BJP parties and both the ruling parties are not in the NDA. But it appears that Modi thinks that Andhra Pradesh is his home state (BJP-ruled state) and he is completely different when he visits Telangana.

One can understand this by observing Modi’s body language and style of speech in both Telugu states. The BJP units in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh have levelled serious corruption charges against their respective state governments. But during his Telangana visit, Modi made serious corruption charges against the TRS government like his party’s Telangana unit, but in Andhra Pradesh, he was silent about the corruption charges against the YSR Congress government.

Modi always supports Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy. When Modi meets AP BJP leaders he asks them to fight against the corruption of the YSR Congress government but he never makes any allegations openly against Jagan or his government.

But during his Telangana visit, the same Modi encouraged state BJP leaders to fight against Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao and his government over corruption and also criticised him openly.

The latest Andhra Pradesh visit of Modi revealed the strategies of the BJP, Jana Sena and the YSR Congress. The recent incidents at Vishakhapatnam made the Jana Sena get close to the TDP. Now, Modi tried to keep the TDP and the Jana Sena away.

After arriving in Visakhapatnam Modi held talks with Jana Sena President Pawan Kalyan for around 30 minutes. After meeting Modi, Pawan told the media that good days are ahead for AP. But Pawan did not elaborate on this. However, his body language indicated that he was very happy meeting Modi. It is a known fact that Modi does not like TDP leader Chandrababu Naidu. Modi might have thought that by inviting Pawan to meet him he can prevent the TDP from getting close to Jana Sena.
While Pawan was happy after meeting Modi, Chief Minister Jagan acted cleverly by praising Modi and his relations with the Centre.

Jagan said relations between the state and the Centre are above politics. Through this Jagan indicated that he will continue his support for the Centre after the next general elections in case the BJP needed support. Jagan also hinted that if the BJP joins hands with the Jana Sena and the TDP it will lose the support of the YSR Congress at the Centre.

Meanwhile, Modi praising Jagan in Visakhapatnam indirectly indicates that he endorses Jagan’s plans to make Visakhapatnam his administrative capital. This way Modi ensured that BJP will not lose the indirect support of the YSR Congress.

During his Telangana visit, Modi indirectly warned KCR that he will not ignore the corruption of the TRS government. Modi also said the BJP will end family rule in Telangana.

At present, Central agencies are concentrating on TRS leaders. There are allegations that TRS MLC Kavitha, the daughter of KCR, is involved in the Delhi liquor scam.