Till the other day, there have been speculations in the media, both vernacular as well as English, besides digital and social media, about the probability of YSR Congress party joining the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government at the Centre.
Since there were just speculations made on the basis of off-the-record talks with various sources in the YSRC and the BJP, both the parties did not respond to them.
But on Friday, when Andhra Pradesh minister for urban development and municipal administration Botsa Satyanarayana gave a hint to that effect saying the YSRC would go to any extent if it thinks it would help the state’ interest.
Though he did not specifically say that the YSRC would join the NDA government, Botsa answered to a question saying that the party would take a decision in the interests of the state, if it is necessary.
Naturally, that became a news for the media on Saturday.
Eenadu prominently carried the statement quoting Botsa that YSRC would not mind joining the NDA if necessary.
Even Times of India carried a report on the front page with the headline, saying YSRC would join the Modi government, if it benefitted AP.
One doesn’t know what had happened in Delhi, but Botsa gave a serious rejoinder to Eenadu on Saturday afternoon in the form of an open letter to Eenadu group chairman Ch Ramoji Rao.
Sending a copy of the clipping of his press conference, Botsa challenged Ramoji Rao to prove that he had commented on YSRC joining the NDA, if necessary.
“By publishing the wrong headline, you are planning to instigate minorities against us. If we condemn the same, you want to pitch our party against the Centre,” he alleged.
The minister said Jagan had met the Prime Ministers and other ministers in the Centre only for securing required funds from the Centre by maintaining cordial relations with the Centre.
“At the same time, every political party has its own ideologies and philosophies. We have our own policies and the BJP has its own, unlike the TDP whose philosophy is to change its stand according to its own selfish interests,” he said.
Stating that the YSRC had always maintained its political identity, Botsa charged Ramoji Rao with launching a negative propaganda against the ruling party.
“Since you cannot enhance the image of Naidu, you are only trying to demean us,” he said and demanded that the daily carried the rejoinder prominently on the front page.
“The report is false and so are your policies and thinking. It is not only a mistake but also a crime to do false reporting just to keep alive Chandrababu Naidu’s party,” Botsa asserted.
So, can the people take Botsa’s statement for granted at least now?
