New Delhi: Telugu Desam, which is set to rule the residuary state of Andhra Pradesh, is back at the centrestage in national politics after a gap of 10 years by participating in the BJP-led NDA government as it hopes to get generous financial assistance to reconstruct the state from the scratch.
The N. Chandrababu Naidu-led party will be represented in the Union Cabinet through its veteran leader Ashok Gajapathi Raju from Vizianagaram district, the first time in 15 years when the TD will be part of any government at the Centre. Last time the party joined the Union government when it was instrumental in cobbling up the United Front in 1996.
As Andhra Pradesh enters a very crucial phase as the Telangana region that includes Hyderabad will become a state in a week time from now, it is opportune time for the TD to share power at the Centre which needs to be generous in releasing funds for the state, especially to build a new Greenfield capital.
After being in political oblivion for the past 10 years as an Opposition leader, Mr Naidu is also set to use this opportunity to launch him yet again in the national politics and ensure development of the new state.
Mr Naidu himself said he joined the BJP alliance only to ensure that Andhra Pradesh and Telangana get a lion’s share of the development.
Since the new government will have to build a brand new capital and set up institutions and industries elsewhere in the state, TD being on the BJP’s side would help them get major financial assistance package.
Mr Naidu has already hinted that it was the responsibility of his and Mr Modi to ensure that the new Seemandhra state stands on its own in the next five years.
The TD’s ascension also comes at a time when the party wants to spread its wings across south India with possible entry into Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Odisha.
