It is really a wonder to see the BJP not taking an active role in supporting Chandrababu Naidu and Pawan Kalyan in the Tirumala laddu issue.
In fact, the BJP projects itself as a champion of the Hindutva agenda and has often turned instances of perceived affronts to Hindu sentiments into political movement.
Despite several visits to Delhi by Chandrababu and Lokesh, and at least one by Pawan Kalyan, their efforts to draw the central leadership into the controversy appear to have yielded no result.
Officially, these tours were projected as attempts to seek financial assistance for Andhra Pradesh after the losses from bifurcation, but political circles believe another key agenda was to secure BJP’s backing in targeting the YSRCP over the laddu controversy.
Sources suggest that the proposal was aimed at politically cornering the YSRCP in a decisive manner. However, the BJP seems to have calculated the larger implications.
Weakening the YSRCP completely could create space for the Congress to grow in the state, something the BJP is unlikely to encourage.
Known for acting only after weighing political gains and losses, BJP has chosen to remain cautious and detached from the issue at the national level.
This stance has caused visible discomfort within the alliance in Andhra Pradesh. While local BJP leaders occasionally criticise the YSRCP, the central leadership is said to be maintaining cordial relations with its MPs.
TDP and Jana Sena leaders reportedly feel embarrassed that the lack of strong BJP support is affecting their political narrative, but BJP leaders argue that being an ally does not mean sharing every political burden.
