Some members of the INDIA bloc have reached out to TDP after its chief N Chandrababu Naidu was arrested. They expressed solidarity with TDP while terming Naidu’s arrest by the YSRCP government as an ‘illegal’ act of ‘friends of BJP.’
The solidarity and support from INDIA bloc players comes at a time when TDP feels that BJP has shown preference for its arch-rival YSRCP over it despite Naidu’s efforts in the last two years to warm up to BJP.
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Trinamool chief Mamata Banerjee and SP chief Akhilesh Yadav condemned Naidu’s arrest. “If there is some issue, you should talk and investigate. Nothing should be done to anyone vindictively,” Banerjee said in Kolkata before embarking on a foreign trip to lure investment to West Bengal. Yadav alleged YSRCP was BJP’s ‘opportunistic friend’ and described it as an ‘autocratic ruler’. “The arrest of Opposition party leaders is the policy of autocratic rulers… BJP and their opportunistic friends should remember that such deviation in political behavior may prove costly for them tomorrow.” He said he spoke over the phone to TDP leader Yanamala Ramakrishnudu to inquire about Naidu’s arrest and subsequent developments.
A senior Trinamool leader said that the INDIA bloc players were in touch with TDP. YSRCP would not join the Opposition ranks, the leader said.
BJP-led Centre disbursed ₹10,460 crore in May to the YSRCP government. TDP was expecting similar help in 2018.
Barring BJP Andhra unit chief Purandeswari, Naidu’s sister-in-law, no other prominent leader of the party has condemned Naidu’s arrest.
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