‘Thankful INDIA bloc turned up at Jagan protest, but too early to say if we will join them’: YSRCP leader Midhun Reddy

The YSRCP’s rival, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has claimed that the state has been reeling under debts caused by the Jagan-led government between 2019 and 2024. Is this true?

When Chandrababu Naidu was part of the NDA (between 2014 and 2019) he had overborrowed from the Centre. When we came to power, this overborrowing was deducted from the state’s share under the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) limits. Though we protested saying that this borrowing was done during the previous term, deductions were made. Our borrowings have been within the FRBM limits. Naidu is building up a narrative that the state is under debt only to go back on the unrealistic election promises he has made.

During his recent Delhi visit, Naidu met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and other Union ministers. The TDP is clearly getting the BJP top brass’ attention for being their key ally. Is the YSRCP worried?

We are absolutely not worried. Politics is politics during the elections, but not beyond that. If they can really convince the Centre to give Andhra Pradesh Special Category Status (SCS) and fulfil all the promises made in the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, we will be more than happy and even support them in the interest of the state. If they are really pushing for SCS for the state we don’t mind working along with them, putting aside our political differences.

But so far Naidu does not seem to have asked for SCS…

He (Naidu) spoke out several times during our regime that the state should get Special Category Status. Now he should not go back on that word. Are they scared to ask for SCS just because they are part of NDA now?

Are you happy with the recent Budget allocation for Andhra Pradesh – the Centre has proposed to finance the development of the Amaravati capital city as well as the Polavaram irrigation project? Should TDP not be given credit for it?

Even the Budget allocated for Andhra Pradesh will not be enough to cover the schemes which Naidu floated to hoodwink the electorate before the elections. The Budget is not substantial. Even the Rs 15,000 crore announced for Amaravati capital development is only a loan.

What is the YSRCP’s relationship with the BJP and NDA now?

We are focused on the development of Andhra Pradesh. Anything in the interest of the state we will support, anything else we will oppose. We had opposed the Triple Talaq Bill. We will not blindly support everything they (NDA) come up with.

Recently, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) announced that they were ending their policy of “issue-based support” to the Modi government in Parliament. Is any similar move being mulled by the YSRCP?

We don’t have anything to do with NDA or INDIA fronts. We fought the NDA and INDIA fronts during elections. We are not part of any alliance. We are independent.

But you are part of the Opposition…

Yes, we are in the Opposition. But just because we are in the Opposition we are not walking behind INDIA front. Whoever raises what is in the interest of the state we will support it, if not we will oppose. We have 15 MPs – four in Lok Sabha and 11 in Rajya Sabha – which is substantial, and we will do what we have to do.

INDIA bloc leaders including Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Sanjay Raut and others attended a recent protest held by Jagan in Delhi. Does this indicate your new leaning towards the INDIA bloc?

We invited parties from across the spectrum and we are very thankful that the INDIA bloc turned up for the protest. It is, however, too early to say if we will join them. As of now, we stand independent to work in the interest of AP.

What is the key challenge facing Andhra Pradesh?

AP is reeling under post-poll violence even now. The ruling dispensation of the TDP is targeting YSRCP workers including the poorest of people. Houses have been burnt down, businesses have been targeted and people have lost lives. Thirtyone YSRCP workers have been murdered so far. We want this vendetta politics to stop in the interest of the state.