AP: BJP justifies electoral alliance with TDP

The BJP has justified its poll alliance with the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in Andhra Pradesh despite critical comments made in the past by TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu

Calling it the "need of the hour," Andhra Pradesh BJP president K Haribabu said here today that the seat sharing accord is for mutual benefit and said that the tie-up would allow the combine to come to power in Andhra Pradesh as well as help the BJP gains in the Lok Sabha elections.

"Yes, it is a fact that TDP president Chandrababu Naidu has stated on many occasions that joining hands with BJP is a political blunder which would never be repeated again in future. However, now the TDP is looking towards the BJP to avoid division of votes between parties opposing the YSR Congress and to regain power in the state," Haribabu told PTI in an interview.

"At the same time, the BJP is also willing to ally with the TDP 'for gaining at the Centre' and to build confidence in voters that the BJP will surely form the government at the Centre. Forget about the past. We are working for the present and for the future," he said.

Haribabu said that while "disciplined" BJP cadre would follow party instructions and work for the victory of alliance candidates, it would be very difficult to get the same co-operation from TDP cadre, for BJP candidates.

BJP nominees may be forced to face stiff opposition and non-co-operation from TDP ticket aspirants in the constituencies allotted to the BJP during seat adjustments.

The TDP has to take steps to prevent such "hazardous actions" from TDP cadre and make them to have faith in the BJP, he said.