Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu took to express his preparation in moving a no-confidence motion against the BJP-led central government. Demanding support for the southern state the CM asked other parties for support. However, he added that a motion is the last resort.
The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Naidu specifically, had expressed fierce reactions to the insufficient allocation for Andhra Pradesh in the Union Budget. It had tensed the ties between BJP and its southern ally.
At a meeting in Vijayawada, Mr Naidu announced, “But a no-confidence motion should be the last resort. We will continue our fight for justice to Andhra Pradesh. If that doesn’t happen, we will muster support from other parties and move the no-trust motion.”
He further added the Centre’s lack of work in the last four years. Naidu said that as Chief Minister he will not take any injustice done to his people. However, he added that whether Centre will help Andhra with a special economic package is up to them.
The Chief Minister had dismissed demands of opposition YSR Congress and Jana Sena asking for a no-trust motion against the centre.
“Some are asking for resignations. If our MPs resign, who will fight for our state? No confidence motion should be the last resort. We will not simply put such motion. It needs at least 54 MPs. But we don’t have that number,” Mr Naidu stated.
Consequently, the head of YSR Congress YS Jaganmohan Reddy declared that his party would move a no-trust motion if the TDP hesitated in doing so. Taking a scathing dig at it Naidu said,
“Does he (Jagan) have head and tail? If you move a no-confidence motion, they (BJP) have the majority. It will be defeated and you can’t talk anything for six months on the issue.”
Seeing the threats coming last month, the BJP’s top leaders had reached out to the TDP. Interestingly, Union home minister Rajnath Singh too held talks with the party and called the Chief Minister.