TDP’s Cosying Up To Congress Mirrors Chandrababu’s Fate

On the occasion of voting to the election of Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman, the stances taken by two major political parties from Andhra Pradesh turned out to be interesting. The Telugu Desam Party (TDP), which was founded on the basis of anti-Congress idealogy, supported the Congress candidate. On the other hand, the YSR Congress party (YSRCP), which was formed after parting ways with the Congress, maintained equidistance from both the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress.

After four years of romance with the BJP, Chandrababu's TDP, in a strategic move, pulled out of the National Democratice Alliance (NDA) to cover its own shortcomings in the State. From deciding to go for a special package for the State's development, Chandrababu took a U-turn towards the demand for the Special Category Status (SCS).

At this juncture, it was evident that the TDP was trying to find a new ally. In Telangana, the TDP is working towards striking an alliance with the Congress, while Chandrababu tried to befriend national leaders from the Congress on several occasions. On the occasion of the swearing-in ceremony of Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy in Bengaluru, Chandrababu was seen having a cordial interaction with Congress President Rahul Gandhi.

While the Congress worked along with the TDP in the No Confidence Vote, Rahul Gandhi openly announced his support to the TDP MPs. In the election to the post of Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman last week, the TDP officially supported the Congress candidate.

Meanwhile, the YSRCP, under the leadership of YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, continues to fight the Congress. During the UPA rule, YS Jagan confronted the then Congress President Sonia Gandhi, who implicated him in false cases and sent him to prison. But, he never gave up the fight. Although the BJP offered to form alliance, the YSRCP denied it and fought the elections alone.

The Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman election is a classic example to suggest that political changes are unpredictable. With this election, it is now clear that the Congress-TDP alliance is in the making. In the words of YSRCP Rajya Sabha MP Vijaya Sai Reddy, Chandrababu brought down the level of dignity in politics by colluding with the Congress, whom he had abused in the past. The TDP leaders defend their move by saying it is their strategic move.

Undoubtedly, Chandrababu's continued flirting with the Congress mirrors the sorry state of affairs of both parties.

Also Read: Chandrababu Driving AP Into Penury: Vijaya Sai Reddy