‘Alternative front to fight the BJP will emerge automatically’
Andhra Pradesh chief minister and TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu said Thursday an opposition alternative to the BJP-led NDA will emerge “automatically” even without its prime ministerial face being declared for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
Naidu, a former BJP ally who quit the NDA early this year over the Centre’s refusal to grant special status to Andhra Pradesh, also offered to play a “pivotal” role to bring all the opposition parties together to forge a united front.
“An alternative (front) will emerge automatically. People are angry with the Modi government and they will choose an alternative,” Naidu, 68, told PTI in an exclusive interview.
Naidu also felt non-selection of a prime ministerial candidate by an opposition front ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls will not hurt its prospects.
“I do not visualise any problem if the PM candidate of the opposition front is not decided before the polls.”
“As a responsible citizen, I will work out (an alternative). Definitely I will play my role as a responsible citizen. We will be instrumental in bringing all parties together who are keen to work in the interest of the nation,” Naidu said. He said discussions are still going on with various parties over forging an opposition alliance.
“Recently, I met Karnataka chief minister of JD(S). We are discussing with other parties as well,” he said.