Cracks emerge in NDA as allies warn BJP, say 'stop undermining us'
Akali Dal, Sena and TDP sought for better communication within the NDA.
New Delhi: The Shiv Sena has accused the BJP of undermining its allies and alleged that there was a huge difference in the style of communication and functioning of the former NDA regime led by Atal Bihari Vajyayee and that of the ruling dispensation led by Narendra Modi.
Sources said the Shiv Sena during the NDA leaders meeting held at Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu's residence in the national capital Monday night asked the BJP not to undermine its alliance partners.
Sources also said the Akali Dal, Shiv Sena and the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) are seeking for better coordination and communication within the NDA.
It is learnt that the above three parties told the BJP that they were not well communicated about most of the government schemes.
In fact, the Chandrababu Naidu-led TDP asked the BJP, which is the biggest party in the alliance, to try and strengthen the fold.
SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal told the BJP that many issues, which were flagged by the allies, have been repeatedly ignored.
It is also speculated that BJP president Amit Shah has decided to meet the allies separately.
The NDA leaders had met to discuss the strategy for the upcoming Punjab Assembly polls in 2017 and also about the upcoming Budget Session, which is expected to be a stormy affair.
Speaking after the meeting on Monday, Naidu said that it was a part of the periodical meetings of the BJP and its allies, adding it was decided that they should highlight from time to time the pro-poor, pro-weaker section, pro-farmer initiatives taken up by the government.
"We have discussed general issues and the issues that are likely to come up in the Budget Session of the Parliament, the need to have better coordination in the Parliament and to have a common strategy on larger issues that are likely to be taken for the Budget Session," Naidu said.
The Budget Session of the Parliament will begin on February 23.
While the first session will continue till March 16, the second session will take place from April 25 to May 13.