PNS|Vijayawada
Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief and former chief minister, N Chandrababu Naidu, has said that the TDP’s exit from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) was solely motivated by the demand for ‘Special Category Status’ (SCS), a sentiment deeply ingrained in the hearts of the State’s people.
Addressing the national media in New Delhi on Tuesday, Naidu revealed that the TDP’s differences with the BJP-led Centre centred exclusively on the SCS issue. He made it unequivocally clear that aside from the SCS dispute, there were no other points of contention between the TDP and the BJP, a point he has reiterated multiple times.
The TDP, known for its national outlook, has been a longstanding ally at the national level since its inception.
Commenting on India’s political landscape, Naidu remarked that India had yet to witness an effective leader, which he perceived as an advantage for the BJP. He expressed curiosity about the future trajectory of India and commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi for elevating India’s global recognition.
In a bold challenge to leaders of the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP), Naidu questioned their ability to discuss the age of Narendra Modi.
Naidu dismissed any prospects of the Congress improving its political standing in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. He asserted that Jagan Mohan Reddy had become a significant impediment to Andhra Pradesh’s development and criticised Reddy’s three-capital concept, contending that AP’s progress could only be achieved if Reddy stepped down. Naidu also condemned Reddy’s allegations against his own uncle, accusing him of murder.
Regarding potential alliances with other parties in Andhra Pradesh, Naidu reiterated that decisions would be made based on the prevailing political situation, with no concrete commitment to alliances at this juncture. He likened the possibility of the YSRCP joining the TDP to ‘opening gates’.
Turning his attention to Telangana, Naidu confirmed that the TDP would participate in the State’s Assembly elections.
He declared that the time had come to part ways with the BJP in Telangana, with the TDP planning to contest the elections independently. Naidu instructed Telangana TDP leaders to focus on winning seats and announced the formation of a committee to select the party’s candidates in the State, with candidates to be revealed ahead of schedule.
