Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday decided to stay in the NDA fold but vowed to fight against the “injustice” done to the State in the Union Budget.
Naidu decided to “wait and watch” following a telephone call from Home Minister Rajnath Singh, who requested the TDP chief not to take any drastic political call till BJP chief Amit Shah looked into the issues raised by him.
Naidu discussed the future of TDP’s relation with the NDA with senior party leaders at the meeting of the TDP parliamentary party here. The meeting decided that while the TDP will remain part of the NDA, Naidu himself will lead protest against the Centre and its policies if the State’s demands are not addressed.
Meanwhile, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley expressed confidence that the
BJP’s differences with the TDP will be resolved and that the NDA will remain intact to face the 2019 general elections together.
Speaking exclusively to News18 Network, Jaitley said, “We are implementing the Andhra Pradesh reorganisation package separately. It has nothing to do with the Budget. We will fulfil all that has been promised to the people of Andhra Pradesh.”
Sources said the TDP will wait and see if the Centre addresses its concerns through amendments to the Union Budget before its passage in Parliament. “If the Modi Government failed to act in the interest of the State, the situation will be reviewed,” said a senior leader.
After the meeting, Ram Mohan Naidu, TDP MP from Srikakulam, said, “There has to be a concrete announcement while the Budget Session of Parliament is on.”
Rajnath Singh called Naidu in the midst of the TDP’s Parliamentary party meeting and reportedly asked Naidu to “wait” as the Union Government was looking into the concerns raised by him about Andhra Pradesh.
Singh’s call may have saved the situation for the time being, but Naidu has clearly asked his MPs not to turn down the heat against the Centre. He has directed TDP MPs of both the Houses to stage protest until AP’s demands are addressed in the Budget.
“Our utmost priority is State interests. Till date, I came to Delhi 28 times after bifurcation to get approvals and allocations. Prime Minister Modi has also promised to release required funds according to the Reorganisation Act including Polavaram funds. Since a great injustice was done to Andhra both at the time of bifurcation and after, our motto is to achieve promises made on the floors of both Houses. Hereafter, no representations or promises. Only implementation will be our demand. Accordingly, you all fight rightfully on the floors of the both Houses only”, Naidu said, addressing the party MPs.