Chandrababu Naidu expresses regret over TDP quitting NDA: Reports

The former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) President N Chandrababu Naidu has reportedly, for the first time in a public rally hosted by party members admitted regret over his decision to quit the BJP-led NDA government. On Saturday, October 12, it is alleged that the party president acknowledged that his decision to pull out of the Narendra Modi-led government in May 2018 dealt a big blow to his TDP in the Assembly and Lok Sabha elections this year. 

According to reports, in several closed-door meetings, Naidu had expressed similar thoughts with regard to joining hands with the Congress party in the Telangana elections, where both the parties suffered a serious defeat at the hands of Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS). 

“We pulled out of the BJP-led government and withdrew our Ministers from the Union Cabinet to press our demands on Amaravati, Polavaram and Special status for Andhra. This move has backfired and the party has suffered a lot because of that decision, " said Naidu.

READ | Chandrababu Naidu Makes Bold Claim, Says 'Jagan Acting Like A Psycho'

According to sources present at the meeting, Naidu also spoke about the real meaning behind the friendly caution thrown by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a debate on the no-confidence motion proposed by TDP in Parliament. He was quoted saying, "The PM has said that TDS has fallen into the trap of the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP). PM had also warned me not to take a hasty decision and stay in the NDA."

WATCH | "I Told Naidu Getting Out Of NDA Was Wrong," Says newly-inducted BJP MP YS Chowdhury When Confronted Why He Defected From The TDP Post Lok Sabha Polls

Earlier, the TDP chief had said people have not accepted his affiliation with the Congress. “I have taken the decision to share the seats with Congress in Telangana. We fared miserably. Halfway through I have realized that it was a grave mistake, but it was too late,” Naidu said.

According to reports, Naidu is also considering close ties with Janasena party of actor Pawan Kalyan. During the 2014 elections, the TDP-BJP-JS combination helped Naidu win the elections.

READ | SCOOP: After Crushing Lok Sabha And Assembly Defeat, Four TDP Rajya Sabha MPs To Defect To BJP Soon Say Sources

Current situation of TDP

Naidu, during his two-day visit to Visakhapatnam, reportedly stated that the YSRCP government is implementing anti-people policies. Unnecessary and illegal cases were allegedly being filed against leaders of other parties and that even the police were creating unnecessary problems. "I am good for the people who are good to me, but Jagan is acting like a psycho," he claimed. 

"The YSRCP rule is extremely bad. Party leaders are collecting "J Tax" (Jagan tax). I saw many Chief Ministers but I have never seen a Chief Minister like him. The law should be the same for all. I warn the government to change its arrogant attitude. The government is targeting our party leaders. That is not fair," said Naidu.

READ | Chandrababu Naidu Alleges 'Human Rights Violation' In YSRCP's AP Rule