Talks of any alliance too premature, says TDP chief’s son

Our major focus is on what our rights are & what was committed, says Andhra minister Nara Lokesh

His father having declared a war against erstwhile ally NDA, Nara Lokesh, the Andhra Pradesh minister for information technology, panchayati raj, and rural development, feels talks of any alliance or of a Federal Front is too premature. He said that his father, N. Chandrababu Naidu, would now educate other regional parties on Centre- state relations and how devolution of funds should take place.

In an interview with Sreeparna Chakrabarty, he reminds how Mr Naidu has a national stature and had played the role of a guide in national politics. He also does not rule out any post- poll alliance with once sworn enemy, Congress.

Q. The Telugu Desam Party ( TDP) has exited the NDA. What is the political future?

A. As far as TDP is concerned, right now our focus is on what our rights are, what was committed, and what we should get as a state. We have differed as justice has not been done to us. Right now, the people of Andhra Pradesh want us to align with the political establishment that will give us special status and the 18 other issues which were promised to us as a state government.

The state bifurcation was done against the wishes of the people of Andhra Pradesh. After that, certain commitments were made by the Prime Minister of India and the vice- president of India. But whatever commitments were made, none has been delivered.

It is not about who is going to be the next Prime Minister. It is about who is going to lead, who is going to do justice to the people of the country and not just for Andhra...

— Nara Lokesh, Andhra minister

So, we had no choice but to differ.

After we differed, we saw that all political parties, including the BJP, were attacking Mr Naidu. Special status has to be given by the Prime Minister. The person who is not giving that is the PM. However, political parties, including YSRCP ( Yuvajana Shramika Rythu Congress Party), are criticising the CM and not the PM. It is the weirdest thing.

Q. The Congress has already promised special status if it comes to power. Would you align with Congress in the future?

A. Right now our focus is on getting what is ours. So it is too premature for us to talk. Alliance is something which would be talked about closer to elections or post elections.

Q. So that option is not closed?

A. No. But right now it is important that our focus is on educating other fellow states on what kind of injustice has been done to us. Lots of people do not know the truth.

Q, Will Mr Naidu speak with the chief ministers of other states and regional leaders and explain the same?

A. Mr Naidu already has certain stature nationally. Everyone looks up to him for guidance, suggestion, and for bringing about unity nationally. He has done it in the past. It is nothing new. People earlier got only one narrative; it being we ( the Centre) have done everything that Andhra has asked for. But when Mr Naidu went to Delhi and gave a presentation, people realised that what has been told to them and what has been delivered on ground has no bearing. Our job is to educate all parties nationally and regionally. In the process we need to get ready to work with parties that will deliver.

Q. So, is he ready to guide other parties?

A. “Guide” is not the correct word here. He is more focussed on giving them information about ground realities, like how devolution of funds takes place. The 15th Finance Commission is going to do great injustice to the developing states. We understand what Bihar and Uttar Pradesh are going through. We are not saying give anything to them. What we are saying is that in the process don’t do injustice to the southern states, which are more progressive.

Q. The chief ministers are already talking to each other. Is a Federal Front evolving?

A. It is too premature to talk about a Federal Front. Right now, our interest is to ensure things for the state and that equitable distribution takes place across the country.

It is not about who is going to be the next Prime Minister. It is about who is going to lead, who is going to do justice to the people of the country and not just for Andhra. I think that is fair.