Political compulsions to bring non-BJP parties to fight NDA in 2019: TDP chief

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu Saturday expressed confidence that "political compulsions" will bring together all non-BJP parties to fight the NDA in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

Naidu, who met string of opposition leaders in the national capital Saturday, also said he will play the role of a "facilitator" in helping evolve a credible alternative.

"It is only (because of) political compulsion and in the overall interest of the nation, parties will join together. Some may not join before elections, some of them may join after elections," he told reporters here.

Some political parties are "afraid" to join today because of the pressure from the BJP, he said, adding he may even have to meet some leaders because of "democratic compulsions".

Asserting that someone will act as a catalyst to form an alternative front, he said already leaders like TMC chief Mamata Banerjee and AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal are making efforts towards that direction.

He also said the TDP is a regional party in a state having 25 Lok Sabha seats and his role will be limited.

"Somebody will do, I will follow. I want to help the process to work together. If there is consensus, we will work together. I'm doing my bit. I'm acting as a process facilitator. I'm not interested in becoming the prime minister," he added.

Naidu, a former BJP ally who quit the NDA early this year over the Centre's refusal to grant special status to Andhra Pradesh, met BSP chief Mayawati, Jammu and Kashmir National Conference president Farooq Abdullah and former BJP leader Yashwant Sinha here in the national capital.

He, however, admitted that it would be a difficult exercise this time.

On coalition government, the TDP chief said, "If the leader is good and effective, development will take place even in coalition. In the past, more growth and development has taken place under coalition governments."