The AP political circles are rigorously discussing about the ruling party in Andhra Pradesh YSR Congress’s chances of joining the NDA aka the center. It is known that BJP has taken an aggressive stand in AP terming the YSR Congress party’s rule as anti-Hindu.
Of course, NDA enjoys good support in Parliament with or without the official joining of the YSRCP. Interestingly, both the YSR Congress and the TDP have been avidly supporting every controversial legislation of the Modi government.
Amid all this, BJP really doesn’t need YCP’s support in parliament so far as they have been getting their bills passed one way or the other. For example, when BJP allies like Janata Dal (U) and AGP had expressed reservations in the Citizenship Amendment Bill, YSRCP supported the BJP in the past. Most recently, Jagan unequivocally supported three farm bills even when BJP allies like Akalidal opposed them.
So, it is clear that BJP can make things work either way and what is it for Jagan to join NDA when he is enjoying tremendous power in AP? The thing is the saffron party has been facing a perception challenge with its key allies deserting the party. The Modi-led BJP is looking to refurbish their image in order to attract the allies.
On the other side, there are mixed reports on YSRCP’s way towards the NDA. Professor Nageshwar still opines that they are not so keen to join the NDA. It does not need the support of the party that hardly has any presence in the state. Its alliance with BJP would incur the wrath of the people. But, the special status is still at stake here. Jagan also needs BJP’s support to control CBN and fulfill his three capital dream.
However, by Prof Nageshwar’s words, we can say that Jagan has to risk his political stakes to join the NDA for a few concessions that hardly have any significant political gains. Let’s see how it goes!