TDP pulling out of Modi govt harks back to permafrost problem of coalitions

The core of coalitions, the single largest party, requires the shield that the smaller partners provide

The decision by N Chandrababu Naidu, leader of the Telugu Desam party which has been an ally of the BJP and an important member of the NDA for the last five years, to more-or-less get out of the coalition is not surprising. 

Several explanations have been put forth. All have to do with money.

Mr Naidu has said that financial promises made to his fledgling state of Andhra Pradesh have not been kept. He wants ‘special status’ which would guarantee him more money.

Another explanation, uttered sotto voce, is that he needs money for the 2019 election. A helping hand from the BJP