Chandrababu Naidu's TDP to stay in NDA, push Centre for more funds

Hyderabad: The Telugu Desam Party decided against pulling out of the National Democratic Alliance “for the time being”, but will continue to put pressure on the BJP-led government at the Centre to fulfil what it calls promises made to Andhra Pradesh during the state bifurcation.

TDP national president and Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu and his senior colleagues were fumed over what the party termed as the “raw deal” meted out to the state in the budget unveiled on Thursday. This led to speculation that TDP might quit NDA.

On Sunday, party MPs were closeted with Naidu for hours in Amaravati to chalk out the future course of action.


The meeting, however, decided against breaking the alliance “for the time being”, citing the interests of Andhra, a senior TDP MP present in the meeting told ET.

During the day, BJP chief Amit Shah also reportedly spoke to Naidu over the phone, advising him against making any harsh decision.

When contacted, senior TDP leader and union minister YS Chowdary said: “The meeting decided to increase pressure on the Union government.”

Chowdary said: “The party president (Naidu) said a decision to pull out of the NDA will be taken at an appropriate time if it was required.”