The latest statement made by YSR Congress party President Y S Jaganmohan Reddy that his party will not hesitate to forge alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party in the 2019 election, provided the centre grants special category status to AP seems to have divided the BJP leadership in the state.
While most of the BJP leaders are welcoming Jagan’s proposal, of course without talking about the special category status issue, stating that it would be a win-win situation for both the parties, others are dismissing it outright.
The pro-Jagan leaders are of the view that the TDP was not only neglecting the BJP but also conspiring to weaken the party.
They are alleging that Naidu was trying to cover up his inefficiency by blaming it on the Centre for non-cooperation. They feel that the BJP should either go alone or forge an alliance with the YSRC, which has more chances of winning.
Endowments minister P Manikyala Rao welcomed Jagan’s statement and the party would have no objection to joining hands with the YSRC, if it extends support voluntarily.
On the other hand, pro-Chandrababu group in the BJP says joining hands with Jagan might dent the image of the party because of the CBI cases against him. This group, which has gained benefits from Naidu in the last four years, feels that it is easier to deal with Naidu than with Jagan, who is a tough nut to crack.
Health minister Kamineni Srinivas, who belongs to this group, says the BJP is happy with the alliance with the TDP.
“The BJP would not forge any alliance with the YSRCP in 2019 elections. People of Andhra Pradesh voted the TDP-BJP alliance. The BJP is committed for the development of the state,” he said.
