VIJAYAWADA: The TD and the Congress, which have been historically poles apart, have agreed to work together to take on the BJP coalition, in a bid, they say, to save the nation and democracy.
“It is not only our two parties that are opposing the BJP; we want to bring together (other parties) and chalk out a future plan of action.” Mr Naidu said, “If we don’t protect democracy and institutions, you are all watching what is happening in the country. I have been in politics for 40 years and never witnessed this type of administration and demolishing of institutions like the RBI (Reserve Bank of India), CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation), and the Supreme Court. I have discussed all these issues with Rahul and other parties and soon we will have a meeting to chalk out a programme,” Mr Naidu said.
He added that the Congress being the principal opposition party at the national level, it is needed to take on the BJP.
Mr Gandhi said, “We have to defend our democracy, institutions of our country and protect the interests of the people. We are all coming together to defend India, its institutions and democracy.” He admitted that “we have a past” but said that “both of us agreed not to get into the past. We are going to talk about the present and the future because it is critical for our country and all opposition parties should come together and provide a vision to the country.”
Mr Gandhi also said that there has been corruption in the Rafale deal and alleged that the NDA government has been influencing the investigating agencies. He said that the BJP government should answer about the increasing corruption in the country. The central government must reveal the real culprits behind the Rafale scam. He stressed the need for protecting the country from the BJP. After meeting Mr Pawar and Dr Abdullah at the former’s residence, Mr Naidu said that both senior leaders advised him to have discussions with other non-BJP party leaders and draw up a programme. Mr Pawar told reporters that the country was facing a severe crisis.
“What is happening in the CBI, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the RBI? The situation has been deteriorating day by day,” he said. Mr Pawar said there was a suggestion from Mr Naidu to discuss all the issues collectively with non-BJP political parties to assess the situation and take some decision. “The cause of the mission will be to save the country and save democracy. If we collectively save democracy we can definitely save institutions. Chandrababu Naidu will talk to all state leaders and we will collectively discuss and assess specific programme,” the veteran NCP leader said.
Mr Naidu met senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad at the Delhi Airport. He also met Samajawadi Party leaders Mulayam Singh Yadav and his son Akhilesh Yadav during his Delhi visit. He also met CPM leader Seetaram Yechury at the Delhi airport.
