English हिन्दी
Connect with us

Latest Politics News

TDP-BJP differences strain NDA, but things may change in a year

Published

8 years ago

on

TDP-BJP differences strain NDA, but things may change in a year

Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and BJP have parted ways, their members resigning from governments led by each other’s leaders, and the former would consider whether it would stay on in BJP-led National Democratic alliance (NDA).

This signifies a clear strain in their relations which, if it continues, could do damage to BJP’s prospects in the Lok Sabha elections due in the beginning of summers in 2019. The NDA has 17 MPs in Lok Sabha from Andhra Pradesh and BJP alone has just two, the rest from TDP, the third largest constituent of NDA. Given the issue on which the split has happened, chances of BJP tying up with TDP’s rival YSR Congress are doubtful. There is, however, one full year to go before the Lok Sabha elections and that is a long time in politics. In today’s politics, it is a very very long time. In any case, the BJP, with 274 MPs in Lok Sabha, does not need any other party’s support for the survival of the government at the Centre.

For now, the TDP-BJP rift is out in the open. BJP ministers in Andhra Pradesh government, Srinivasa Rao and T Manikyala Rao, submitted their resignations after Chandrababu Naidu announced that TDP members in the Union Council of Ministers will resign on Thursday.

Shortly after the resignations of BJP ministers in his cabinet, Naidu said that the two TDP leaders in Modi government, Aviation minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju and Minister of State for science and technology YS Chowdary, too have submitted their resignations.

Naidu is yet to decide on whether his party will pull out of the BJP-led NDA Democratic Alliance completely.

While the two parties decided to snap ties, there was no bitterness in evidence. When the BJP ministers reached CM Office to submit their resignations, the TDP ministers hugged the quitting BJP ministers and also posed for cameras. The BJP members’ resignation letters were also appreciative of the CM and the chance to work under him.

Naidu’s move is being seen as forced on him by state politics ahead of the Assembly election next year. He is facing a lot of heat from the opposition YSR Congress which accuses Naidu of failing Andhra Pradesh by not ensuring special status for it as a partner at the Centre. Andhra’s political parties say nothing short of “special status” will do as that was promised to the state when it was bifurcated to carve out a new state Telangana, leaving what was left of Andhra Pradesh in a deep revenue deficit.

On Wednesday night, Naidu announced his decision to pull out TDP ministers from the centre, hours after Finance Minister Arun Jaitley ruled out “special status” for Andhra Pradesh. NDTV reported TDP lawmaker Ravindra Babu as saying that the next “logical step” is to exit the BJP-led national alliance NDA, but Chandrababu Naidu seemed to leave options open, saying he would “plan further course of action” based on the Centre’s reaction to his decision.

At an emergency press briefing on Wednesday night Chandrababu Naidu said the TDP has taken the “painful decision” to withdraw its ministers from the Centre in the interest of the state, as it was left with no other option. The TDP joined the NDA just ahead of the 2014 national elections.

“I went to Delhi 29 times, met Prime Minister and Central Ministers and requested them to fulfil our demands,” said Naidu, “When the intended purpose (of joining the Union Cabinet) has not been served, there is no point in continuing. For me the sole agenda is to safeguard the interests of the state.”

The chief minister also said he tried to speak to PM Modi on phone as a courtesy to inform him about the decision to pull out of the government. “It is my responsibility as a coalition partner to inform the prime minister about our party decision. My OSD spoke to his OSD but the prime minister did not come on line,” he said, according to media reports.

On Wednesday evening, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had said the Centre was happy to give Andhra Pradesh funds, but said giving it “special category status” as demanded by Naidu was not possible. The reason cited, said a report in the India Express (IE), was the Constitutional limitation of 14th Finance Commission report: after the implementation of the 14th Finance Commission award, such a treatment was “constitutionally” restricted to just the north-eastern and three hill states.

At the time of bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh and birth of Telangana, a special category status could be given to AP as at that time, concept of special category states did exist. But when the 14th Finance Commission report came in, a constitutional award, they said there is no special category status that can now be given, the IE report quoted Jaitley as saying.

“We are committed to give monetary equivalent of a special status to Andhra Pradesh. We are awaiting response from the Andhra Pradesh government,” Jaitley said at Wednesday’s press conference. He also said that just because it is a political issue, the quantum of assistance can’t be increased.

According to NDTV, there was another statement from Jaitley that did not go down well with Naidu. Jaitley said, “The Centre cannot say now that all the funds that I have will now be given to the states and I have no money because after all the security of India is a Central responsibility.”

Chandrababu Naidu said Jaitley’s words were “hurtful and insulting,” alleging that they suggested that the TDP was “asking for money at the expense of the country’s Defence Budget… Jaitley spoke like we asked for all the money. We felt insulted.”

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

India News

Rahul Gandhi attacks Centre ahead of Vladimir Putin’s India visit

Rahul Gandhi alleged that the government discourages visiting foreign dignitaries from meeting Opposition leaders, calling it a sign of “insecurity,” hours before Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in Delhi.

Published

1 day ago

on

December 4, 2025

By

Rahul Gandhi

As Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in Delhi today for the India-Russia Annual Summit, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi has renewed his charge that the Centre discourages visiting foreign leaders from meeting Opposition representatives. He called it a sign of “insecurity” within the government.

Rahul Gandhi alleges break in long-followed tradition

Speaking outside Parliament, Rahul Gandhi said that it has traditionally been the norm for visiting foreign leaders to meet the Leader of the Opposition, a practice he claims continued during the tenures of Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh.

He alleged that the present government advises foreign dignitaries against such meetings. “When foreign leaders come, the government suggests they should not meet the Leader of the Opposition. This is their policy,” Gandhi said. He added that a meeting with the Opposition offers visiting leaders a broader perspective, as “we too represent India.”

Gandhi further stated that this approach reflects the government’s reluctance to allow engagement between the Opposition and foreign guests.

Former Foreign Secretary counters Gandhi’s remarks

Responding to Gandhi’s allegations, former Foreign Secretary and Rajya Sabha MP Harsh Vardhan Shringla said visiting leaders operate on very tight schedules and there is no protocol mandating a meeting with the Leader of the Opposition. He stressed that such interactions depend entirely on the guest’s time and preference, noting that the required meetings are those with the President and the Prime Minister.

Putin’s schedule packed with bilateral engagements

Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to land in Delhi this evening on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s invitation. His itinerary includes:

  • A private dinner with PM Modi
  • Visit to Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial at Raj Ghat
  • Engagements at Bharat Mandapam and Hyderabad House
  • A banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu

The visit forms part of the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit.

Continue Reading

India News

TMC MLA Humayun Kabir suspended after Babri Mosque replica proposal sparks row

TMC suspended MLA Humayun Kabir after he proposed building a Babri mosque replica in Murshidabad, a move that drew criticism from the party and sparked political tension.

Published

1 day ago

on

December 4, 2025

By

Trinamool Congress on Thursday suspended MLA Humayun Kabir after he publicly announced plans to construct a replica of the Babri Masjid in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district. Party leaders said Kabir had earlier been cautioned for making such statements but continued to push ahead with the controversial proposal.

Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim said the MLA’s remarks were unacceptable, stressing that the party stood firmly by its secular stance. “We noticed that one of our MLAs suddenly declared he would build the Babri masjid. We had warned him before. As per the party’s decision, we are suspending him,” he said.

Kabir vows to continue project, may form new party

Kabir had planned to lay the foundation stone for the mosque replica in Beldanga on December 6. Sources indicated he is likely to resign from Trinamool on Friday and float a new party while continuing with the project.

The choice of date and nature of the project drew sharp criticism from the Trinamool leadership. Hakim alleged the move reflected a “divisional politics” strategy aligned with the BJP. “Why December 6? He could build a school or college. This is divisional politics,” he said.

Sources also said Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was “hugely annoyed” by Kabir’s remarks and informed him that the party would not support or associate with such activities.

Governor raises concerns, administration on alert

West Bengal Governor Ananda Bose questioned why action was not being taken if the MLA’s statements risked creating a law-and-order issue. He said intelligence inputs suggested attempts to turn Murshidabad into a “hub of scandal,” adding that authorities would not remain silent if communal tensions were provoked.

Officials confirmed that while Kabir has permission to hold the December 6 event, the administration is maintaining a high-level alert in Murshidabad.

Minutes after his suspension, Kabir withdrew from Mamata Banerjee’s rally in the India–Bangladesh border district, where she was protesting against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists.

BJP attacks Kabir over remarks

BJP spokesperson Pratul Shah Deo condemned Kabir’s comments, claiming they were intended to “create communal tensions.” He said any attempt to raise structures linked to historical rulers would trigger disputes similar to the Babri Masjid conflict.

Continue Reading

India News

Karnataka Power Shift: What Siddaramaiah–DK Shivakumar compromise formula means

A closer look at the emerging ‘compromise formula’ between Karnataka’s top leaders Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar, and how it may shape the state’s political future.

Published

6 days ago

on

November 29, 2025

By

A possible settlement between Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has emerged, signalling a calmer phase in the leadership tussle within the state Congress. While the final decision rests with the party leadership in Delhi, details of the so-called “compromise formula” are gradually becoming clearer.

Breakfast diplomacy calms tensions

After weeks of speculation over friction between the two top leaders, Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar met over breakfast today. The meeting, aimed at projecting unity, served as a symbolic reset after their strained ties over the chief ministership question.

Analysts believe the optics were crucial — the Congress successfully avoided a public showdown by diffusing tensions before they escalated further.

A transition of power likely, say analysts

According to political observers, the compromise indicates a strong possibility of Shivakumar taking over as Chief Minister in a smooth transition, potentially as early as March–April 2026.
For now, sources say the arrangement requires Shivakumar to continue as Deputy Chief Minister without pushing for immediate change.

In return, the formula reportedly includes more cabinet positions for leaders loyal to Shivakumar and continuation of his role as the state Congress chief. Siddaramaiah is also expected to back Shivakumar as the party’s face for the 2028 Assembly election.

Why the Congress prefers this route

Replacing Siddaramaiah abruptly would not only upset internal balance but could also weaken the party, given his stature and mass appeal. Shivakumar, despite his influence, does not have the numbers within the legislature to force a takeover, making compromise the most viable path.

Siddaramaiah has already stated that this will be his final term as Chief Minister. With his legacy secure and his position as one of Karnataka’s tallest leaders intact, he appears willing to enable a dignified transition when the time comes.

Variables that could shape the final outcome

The success of the formula depends on three key factors:

1. Trust between the two leaders

Whether Shivakumar believes Siddaramaiah will keep his word remains uncertain. Karnataka’s political history is full of last-minute shifts, giving rise to the phrase “natak in Karnataka”.

2. Decision-making by the Congress high command

Delhi’s leadership must ensure the transition happens on time and without internal resistance, especially in the run-up to the 2028 Assembly polls.

3. Caste equations and political alignment

Siddaramaiah is the strongest face of the AHINDA bloc, while Shivakumar represents the OBC Vokkaliga community. The Congress cannot afford to alienate either group, making the timing and execution of any transition extremely delicate.

Continue Reading

Trending

© Copyright 2022 APNLIVE.com