ANDHRA Pradesh CM Naidu Joins Hands With Congress Saying Democracy Is At Stake

TDP supremo and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandra Babu Naidu, who was among the  trusted allies of  Prime Minister  Narendra Modi till eight months ago, has taken the lead in forming  an alliance  of non-BJP parties to defeat the ruling NDA government in the coming Lok Sabha  poll. Burying the opposition to the Congress which was the main motive of the TDP founded by his father-in-law N T Rama Rao, an iconic south Indian film maker, Chandra Babu Naidu has joined hands with AICC President Rahul Gandhi for this objective. After discussion with him on Thursday in New Delhi , Naidu and Gandhi declared building of a national alternative to the ruling dispensation is the need of the hour to save democracy and democratic institutions. BJP led Government is “destroying every institution” including CBI and the Reserve Bank of India, both said. Naidu, who had earlier met NCP supremo Sharad Pawar, former Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Abdullah and former Union minister Sharad Yadav, the TDP had helped build the National Front headed by V.P. Singh who became Prime Minister. Naidu said that he was meeting leaders from a cross-section of political parties to firm up a broader, national-level anti-BJP coalition. “I am talking about save India, save democracy. It is a bigger platform. I am meeting all leaders. We are working for an alternative to the BJP,” he said. A national alternative to BJP is a democratic compulsion. He hoped for this purpose, BSP chief Mayawati and her arch  political  rival Akhilesh Yadav leading the Samajwadi Party would work together. After the meet, Rahul Gandhi said the focal point is to defeat arrogant BJP and defend democracy .All other issues will be discussed later avoiding query on who would be the face of the anti-BJP front in the next Parliamentary election. It is very clear that corruption is taking place, the institutions mandated to probe accusations are being attacked, Rahul Gandhi added.  Naidu said it is a misconception to say that there is no alternative to replace the BJP at the national level. He however denied the allegation that he was projecting himself as a future leader at the center, “I am not PM aspirant. But I will do my bit. I will play my role for bringing everybody (together). We will work together. Somebody will do, I will follow. Ultimately, I will do my best whatever is possible for this great nation. “Naidu, who is facing stiff competition from YSR Congress in the coming Lok Sabha and assembly elections, is in touch with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and other non-BJP leaders.