Chandrababu Naidu: Coalitions have delivered clear policies

Addressing the media later, Naidu repeatedly said that democracy is in danger, that institutions are being demolished, and secularism is under threat under the BJP-led government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Naidu with Kejriwal.

The TDP leader used issues ranging from demonetisation to the latest controversy over sending CBI director Alok Verma on leave to slam the Central government, which, he alleged, is politically “killing” and “finishing” all opposition leaders.

Naidu, who was convenor of the United Front coalition, pointed out that the TDP and he himself had played a role in formation of the coalition governments in 1989 and later in 1996. He said coalition and minority governments have “done well” to implement “clear policies”, and argued that political compulsions have always brought parties together.

“More growth and development have taken place under coalition governments…and also more consensus (were achieved),” he said.

But under the present dispensation, he contended, there is no consensus, and thus the government is committing “so many mistakes”.

Naidu said, “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.”

Arguing that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has “betrayed” the “clear-cut mandate” he had received in the 2014 General Election, he said, “You cannot form a government without any national party. To form a government we have to give the people confidence. All of us have to come together and give (the people) that confidence.”

Naidu said some parties may not come and join the opposition coalition today, and some might approach after the elections.

Naidu said he will play the role of a “facilitator” in helping evolve a credible alternative and said that he is not interested in becoming the Prime Minister.