Chandrababu Naidu hints at rift in TDP-BJP alliance in Andhra Pradesh

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Hyderabad: Telugu Desam Party (TDP) may break its alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Andhra Pradesh, hinted state chief minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday. 

"If the BJP does not want to continue alliance then the TDP will on its own," said Naidu at a press conference.

Naidu claimed that the TDP was still following `Mitra Dharma` with BJP, but local BJP leaders were crossing the limits.

“We (TDP) are still following `Mitra Dharma` with BJP. I am controlling my party leaders despite severe criticism from local BJP leaders,” Naidu said.

The TDP chief also made a veiled reference to NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman Rajiv Kumar over the latter's comments on the state. "Some people are asking why we (AP) need hand-holding when we are registering the highest economic growth. They are speaking without any understanding. This is not correct," Naidu said at a press conference here this afternoon, without taking any names.

During his recent visit to the state, Kumar said that "Yes, we will do whatever hand-holding we can. But I am sure, one, that with your (AP's) 11 per cent and 15 per cent (economic growth), you will soon not need any hand-holding," he had added.

Asking BJP high command to look into the allegations made by their party local leaders, Naidu, demanded that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi led Central Government should support Andhra Pradesh until it becomes an equal with other states.

"Isn't there a need for the Centre to compensate us (for the financial woes caused by the state's bifurcation)? That's what I am asking. Straight question. It is our right. I am very clear on that."

The state leaders of the BJP have been criticising the TDP on various issues. Some of them have even indicated that they were ready to work with the opposition YSR Congress Party.

Naidu's remarks come close on the heels of YSR Congress Party chief YS Jaganmohan Reddy's statement that he would support the BJP if Andhra Pradesh was given special status.

With agency inputs