Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy. (File photo: PTI)
The BJP, which has lost several allies, including the two oldest partners, Shiv Sena and SAD, in the last year, is looking for new allies to tell the world that it can still work with allies.
- News18.com Bangalore
- Last update: October 6, 2020 11:59 am IST
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Andhra Pradesh’s chief minister, YS Jaganmohan Reddy, is faced with a Hamlet dilemma: to do or not to do. According to reliable sources, Prime Minister Modi wants him to join the NDA. Although the head of YSRCP is tempted, local political considerations prevent him from joining the BJP-led NDA.
Jagan, who met with the prime minister in New Delhi on Tuesday, declined to comment on the outcome. According to his closest confidants, the purpose of his visit to Delhi was different, nothing to do with the possibility of his joining the NDA, but it was also discussed.
After the TDP led by Chandrababu Naidu left the Modi government in 2018, there was a proposal to link YSRCP. But Jagan didn’t show much interest. The YSRCP supreme fears that joining the NDA could turn Muslims and Christians against him in the state. Minorities, who make up over 10% of the total population, are staunch supporters of Jaganmohan Reddy.
He is also concerned that joining the government could reduce his bargaining power with the government. He feels that staying out and providing problem-based support would help him, as he will not be blamed for the Center’s failures.
“It is true that we have an open offer to join the government. But we have to take local considerations into account. The majority opinion is against joining the government. Anyway, we have been supporting the government on all important issues. A very good relationship with the Center, “said a close associate of CM Andhra Pradesh.
Some say Jagan could consider the offer if the BJP orders a CBI investigation into the Amaravati land scam of TDP chief Naidu. He also expects generous funding from the Center to complete some ongoing projects in the state. The BJP’s ambitions to grow in AP by replacing the main opponent TDP also get in the way. If YSRCP joins the government, it can help TDP revive and BJP cannot grow in the state.
In the last Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, the YSRCP swept the polls by making Jagan the AP CM. Jagan has had a good relationship with the Modi government for the past six years and was one of the reasons the TDP withdrew from the NDA.
The BJP, which has lost several allies, including the two oldest partners, Shiv Sena and SAD, in the last year, is looking for new allies to tell the world that it can still work with allies. If YSRCP joins the NDA, it would be a major change in Andhra Pradesh policy.
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