No national front, but state-level tieups will define 2019 elections: N Chandrababu Naidu
A united opposition front may not emerge before the 2019 general election although there may be seat adjustments at the state level,
Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu told ET in an interview. Naidu, who pulled his Telugu Desam Party out of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance in March this year, said neither the BJP nor the Congress would be able to get majority in the next election. But the BJP would fare worse, he said, because of its inability to deliver on its tall promises and the double whammy of anti-incumbency at both the Centre and in a number of states.
Excerpts:
How do you look at the results of the recent bypolls?
BJP made tall promises and ended up with a dismal performance. People were looking for outcomes. BJP failed. BJP had promised to bring back black money stashed abroad and distribute it among the people here. As against this promise, BJP colluded with many corrupt persons. Demonetisation was a disaster. BJP promised to double the incomes of farmers but couldn’t even address the agrarian crisis. Unemployment has surged. GST implementation has issues. Bank frauds have multiplied and non-performing assets have skyrocketed. I have never seen a national party suffer such a drastic fall so early.
Are you still heading the committee on digital economy?
I made recommendations but nothing much was implemented. Even today, people find physical currency transactions cost-effective compared to digital transactions.
What results do you expect in the 2019 general election?
Neither BJP nor Congress will get a clear mandate to form government. BJP will suffer more being the ruling party at the Centre and in many states. Regional parties will consolidate their Lok Sabha tally and play a vital role in forming a coalition government. I am not sure if a united opposition front will be formed before the election. There could be seats adjustments at the state level.
Which states could give a tough time to national parties in the general election?
These states include Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, West Bengal, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh.
What was the outcome of your parleys with heads of parties at the swearing-in ceremony of HD Kumaraswamy?
Parleys did take place between heads of various parties on political conditions in respective states and on national politics. I could see confidence beaming among the captains of parties and the keenness to work together for a united fight. The need to build consensus and a common minimum programme among various political parties was discussed. Further parleys will take place based on the kind of polarisations that could take place going forward.
Do you think anti-incumbency could affect your prospects in assembly election next year?
Despite serious constraints, challenges and non-cooperation from the Centre, we have managed to develop Andhra on all fronts and ensured that the state tops in national ranks on various parameters, apart from successfully attracting large-scale investments from global giants. The development of Andhra in my last four years of this tenure has exceeded what I had achieved as chief minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh in my earlier two stints. I am confident that all my untiring initiatives towards development, welfare, empowerment and corruptionfree governance will help us come back to power with a clear mandate in 2019.
Why have you accused PM Modi of shielding fraudsters?
Modi is shielding and encouraging fraud accused persons such as Gali Janardhan Reddy and YS Jaganmohan Reddy. He is encouraging fraudsters both directly and indirectly, and thereby helping open floodgates for corruption and frauds. Nirav Modi successfully fled the country. Only a firm government that acts tough on fraudsters can send the right signals to the country.
BJP has also accused your government of indulging in largescale irregularities…
It will boomerang on them. I had expected this attack from BJP when I severed ties with NDA. We maintained utmost restraint and continued in NDA government for nearly four years only to pursue the central support and funds for the state. Finally, we were left with no other option than quitting the NDA government after failing to get the promised things done. They (Modi government) are misusing their power and they will continue to misuse it. And they (BJP) will pay for all their vindictive and victimisation feats in 2019 polls through people’s mandate.
Do you think the PM is unhappy with you?
Maybe he doesn’t like Andhra overtaking Gujarat in development and attracting large-scale investments.
How do you look at the results of the recent bypolls?
BJP made tall promises and ended up with a dismal performance. People were looking for outcomes. BJP failed. BJP had promised to bring back black money stashed abroad and distribute it among the people here. As against this promise, BJP colluded with many corrupt persons. Demonetisation was a disaster. BJP promised to double the incomes of farmers but couldn’t even address the agrarian crisis. Unemployment has surged. GST implementation has issues. Bank frauds have multiplied and non-performing assets have skyrocketed. I have never seen a national party suffer such a drastic fall so early.
Are you still heading the committee on digital economy?
I made recommendations but nothing much was implemented. Even today, people find physical currency transactions cost-effective compared to digital transactions.
What results do you expect in the 2019 general election?
Neither BJP nor Congress will get a clear mandate to form government. BJP will suffer more being the ruling party at the Centre and in many states. Regional parties will consolidate their Lok Sabha tally and play a vital role in forming a coalition government. I am not sure if a united opposition front will be formed before the election. There could be seats adjustments at the state level.
Which states could give a tough time to national parties in the general election?
These states include Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, West Bengal, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh.
What was the outcome of your parleys with heads of parties at the swearing-in ceremony of HD Kumaraswamy?
Parleys did take place between heads of various parties on political conditions in respective states and on national politics. I could see confidence beaming among the captains of parties and the keenness to work together for a united fight. The need to build consensus and a common minimum programme among various political parties was discussed. Further parleys will take place based on the kind of polarisations that could take place going forward.
Do you think anti-incumbency could affect your prospects in assembly election next year?
Despite serious constraints, challenges and non-cooperation from the Centre, we have managed to develop Andhra on all fronts and ensured that the state tops in national ranks on various parameters, apart from successfully attracting large-scale investments from global giants. The development of Andhra in my last four years of this tenure has exceeded what I had achieved as chief minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh in my earlier two stints. I am confident that all my untiring initiatives towards development, welfare, empowerment and corruptionfree governance will help us come back to power with a clear mandate in 2019.
Why have you accused PM Modi of shielding fraudsters?
Modi is shielding and encouraging fraud accused persons such as Gali Janardhan Reddy and YS Jaganmohan Reddy. He is encouraging fraudsters both directly and indirectly, and thereby helping open floodgates for corruption and frauds. Nirav Modi successfully fled the country. Only a firm government that acts tough on fraudsters can send the right signals to the country.
BJP has also accused your government of indulging in largescale irregularities…
It will boomerang on them. I had expected this attack from BJP when I severed ties with NDA. We maintained utmost restraint and continued in NDA government for nearly four years only to pursue the central support and funds for the state. Finally, we were left with no other option than quitting the NDA government after failing to get the promised things done. They (Modi government) are misusing their power and they will continue to misuse it. And they (BJP) will pay for all their vindictive and victimisation feats in 2019 polls through people’s mandate.
Do you think the PM is unhappy with you?
Maybe he doesn’t like Andhra overtaking Gujarat in development and attracting large-scale investments.