It is inconceivable that the Telugu Desam Party, which considered the Congress party its sworn enemy till now, has suddenly developed warmth towards it after becoming disenchanted with the Bharatiya Janata Party (“Congress, TDP to forge front against Modi-led BJP govt.”, November 2). In the past, many regional parties have allied with the BJP either before or after elections. Did it not strike them then that the autonomy of public institutions was being eroded?
Did it not strike them then that the BJP was communal? Or that the BJP was anti-Dalit? The new coinage that the Congress and the TDP seem to be suggesting, which is “save nation, save democracy”, is a hackneyed slogan to hoodwink the electorate. People do not feel that democracy is in any danger. Talk about a grand alliance is often heard but fizzles out. The anathema towards the BJP is opportunistic.
Badrinarayanan R.,
Bengaluru
The Congress has got a shot in the arm ahead of Assembly elections. The stance of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP leader N. Chandrababu Naidu would gladden the hearts of Congress leaders but definitely put the other ambitious Opposition leaders in a piquant situation. If the Congress performs well in the forthcoming Assembly elections, its bargaining power to be the number one among equals will gain strength. As far as the BJP is concerned, it may be wary of the manoeuvring capabilities of Mr. Naidu who, going by the past, is adept in bringing together warring parties into one fold. The success of the BJP now depends upon how effectively and convincingly it can reach out to the people about stable, single-party rule versus a hotchpotch alliance of many ambitious leaders with divergent policies trying to take the top slot.
Venkatraman S.,
Chennai