TDP to pressurise Modi with Delhi lobby

VIJAYAWADA: The TD high command has slipped up in its lobbying at Delhi and is now desperately trying to regain lost ground, stated a TD insider. The Chief Minister, Mr N. Chandrababu Naidu, is himself focusing on this matter to set things right. In this context, he is all set to address a press conference along with Union Commerce Minister Mr Suresh Prabhu on January 17 at Delhi on the Davos World Economic Forum meet. 

Generally a state Chief Minister is not required to attend this kind of press conference but with Mr Suresh Prabhu being elected from AP, there is a special bonding between Mr Naidu and Mr Prabhu. The press conference will give Mr Naidu a greater hold in Delhi, said the TD leader. 

Mr Naidu who played a key role in NDA earlier has been struggling to remain in its good books now. Mr Naidu had been active in NDA as NDA convener when Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee was the Prime Minister. The fact that Mr Naidu couldn’t get an appointment with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the last 16 months has unnerved him, state YSRC leaders. 

Meanwhile, all the state government’s important projects are still pending with the Union government. Even the commitments made as per the Reorganisation Act have not been accomplished. That coupled with the lack of support from the Union government is making it difficult for the state government to function smoothly in its state.

Mr Naidu maintained his patience until now with the intention of clearing all issues amicably. 

Earlier he had lost his cool when the Polavaram tenders were questioned.

On January 12, the Naidu-Modi meeting didn’t seem to draw favourable results. The Prime Minister is said to have reacted formally but did not seem to give much hope on the Union government’s support. 

 A TD MP said, “We don’t know what exactly the Union government is intending and at the same time we are sure of not gaining the expected support from them.” He also said, “Except for the Polavaram issue, the Centre may not react positively on other matters until unless we pressurise them.” 

Now TD is thinking of mounting pressure on the Union government strategically. The first step towards this is to try and get a grip on Delhi. Though there are two union ministers from TD in NDA government, Mr Naidu himself is spearheading the plan. According to sources, Mr Naidu is intending to get close to all the Union ministers and take advantage of this in the future if there is a need to lobby. 

Mr Naidu is specially going to Delhi to attend the press conference on January 17. Even the state Cabinet meeting that was scheduled on January 17 has been postponed to January 20.