Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s latest visit to New Delhi seeking special financial assistance for the state in the forthcoming Union Budget raised many questions in the political circles. After TDP emerged as a key supporter for the survival of Narendra Modi government at the center being the second largest party, only after BJP in the NDA, the national media described him as becoming `King Maker’ again in the national capital.
But, unlike during Vajpayee’s regime, Narendra Modi seems to be hardly consulting him on key decisions. While Chandrababu mainly expected liberal assistance from the Center to put Andhra Pradesh against the path of development, after it was completely destroyed by YS Jaganmohan Reddy’s regime till now no positive signal emerged from BJP’s leadership.
Chandrababu went to Delhi on Wednesday night mainly seeking specific allocations for the state in the next Union Budget. But surprisingly he met Home Minister Amit Shah, who normally may not have any say in the budget preparation. Though media reports indicate he will also meet finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Naidu returned from Delhi without meeting her.
Only the Prime Minister or Finance Minister can give specific assurances on budget formation. But Naidu was unable to meet them. This indicates that he is struggling hard for specific allocations for the state in the union budget. Observers felt that though he is in a position to `demand’ from the Center, why try to `pleading’ them?
APCC President YS Sharmila questioned why Chandrababu, who should be the major supporter in the NDA alliance, is repeatedly going to Delhi. Why is he saluting the center without demanding for the implementation of bifurcation commitments?, she wondered.
YS Sharmila asked Chandrababu, who went to Delhi four times till now, after the victory of the TDP alliance in the AP assembly elections?
“However, Chief Minister Chandrababu’s visits to Delhi seem to have gone to waste. Why are you going round and round in Delhi playing a big role in the NDA alliance? Why are you insisting on the issues of bifurcation? Why are you saluting the BJP elders by saying ‘Ji huzur’?”, she asked.
She wondered that even after a month after formation of Chandrababu Naidu-led government till now not a single statement from the Prime Minister or some other Union Minister assuring specific assistance to AP.