Chandrababu Naidu Evasive on Admitting YSRC MLAs into TDP

Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief N Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday remained evasive on the issue of admitting some MLAs of the opposition YSR Congress into his party but said there was need for political consolidation in the State.

Speaking at a press conference here, he said like-minded people could join hands with his party. "There is a need for political consolidation. We want to strengthen our party up to the village level and our leaders are working actively on this," the TDP chief said. On reports that YSRC MLAs, Bhuma Nagi Reddy and his daughter Akhila, were ready to jump sides, Naidu said, "you speculate. We act".

Naidu also refused to comment on Opposition leader Y S Jaganmohan Reddy's claim that he could pull down the TDP government with the support of 21 ruling party legislators. "Should I comment on this," he asked. A couple of days ago, YSRC President Jaganmohan Reddy had said in Hyderabad that at least 21 MLAs were needed in addition to his party's 67 legislators to topple the Naidu Government. "I will inform you first when I have that numbers," Jagan had told mediapersons at that time after a meeting with the Governor.