In a big news, it has been reported that Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has finally decided to break its ties with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). In a recently held press conference, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley once again made it clear that giving Special Category Status to Andhra Pradesh isn’t possible and the centre was in favour of sanctioning the special package to the state.
The statements made by the FM have apparently not gone down well with Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu and the party members. In an emergency meeting, the CM discussed with the party members and in a press conference, CM Naidu has confirmed the breaking of ties with BJP. The separation is set to get rolling with TDP MPs Ashok Gajapathi Raju and YS Chowdary quitting the Modi cabinet. TDP proved to be a strong ally in South India to BJP for the past 4 years.
Speaking at the conference, the CM said, “Cabinet posts have never been important for Telugu Desam Party. After discussing with our cadres, we have come to a conclusion that there is no use in proceeding further with the alliance when the state’s cause isn’t served. Two of our ministers will be resigning in regard to the same. I have tried reaching PM Narendra Modi to inform the same.”
“The way the centre behaved with us is not at all acceptable. We are fighting for our rights and there is nothing wrong in it,” the CM added.
On the other hand, it has also been reported that BJP ministers in Andhra Pradesh cabinet have geared up to resign if the need arises.
Earlier, the Telugu Desam Legislative Party meeting held on Tuesday saw more than 90% of the party members advocating to end ties with BJP. Speaking at the meeting, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu said he was disappointed with the centre’s decision and reiterated his government will work for the cause of the people of Andhra Pradesh. He added that the centre must fulfil all the promises made to the state during the bifurcation in 2014.
