CM Naidu offers to anchor non-BJP, non-Congress alternative

Naveen S Garewal
Tribune News Service
Amravati, October 4

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has offered to be an anchor in forging a third front for the formation of a non-BJP, non-Congress government at the Centre.

Ruling out his own possibility of taking a lead role for himself in Delhi, Naidu said he will fulfil his moral responsibility of bringing together a formidable Opposition — the people are very disappointed with the current government, so it’s natural that an alternative will emerge.

Naidu said, as of now he could not reveal the details of this alliance being forged as these efforts could be sabotaged.

He, however, pointed out that efforts in this direction were on and talks with likely stake holders have been held from time to time and gave no more details.

Naidu said the Prime Minister was morally bound to come out with an explanation of Rafael deal, especially after the former French President made a statement that points fingers at his government. “Whether it is Bofors or Rafael, where there is a doubt in the mind of the people, it is the duty of the government to clarify,” he said.

The BJP government has failed on all fronts and there is disappointment on all counts, he said.  “Like every citizen of the country even I had a lot of expectation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, but now there is only disappointments ranging from demonetisation, bad implementation of GST, people’s loss in faith in the Indian economy and now distrust in the banks. When such a situation prevails, alternatives automatically emerge,” he said.

Responding to a question from The Tribune about funding for the new state Capital Amravati, the Chief Minister said the central government had given only Rs 1,500 crore after making a promise to fund the new capital when Andhra Pradesh was split into two with the creation of Telangana.

“We need Rs 48,000 crore and despite the centre going back on its promise in the bifurcation Act to build a new capital and giving Andhra a special status we are committed to build a new capital that will have livability in the next one year,” he added.