Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday faulted the invitation extended to the Bharatiya Janta Party for forming the government in Karnataka though it failed to cross the half- way mark.
The Congress-Janata Dal (Secular) combine, which had “majority” should have been called, he told a public meeting at Kandukur after undertaking a whirlwind tour of Prakasam district.
He expressed satisfaction that the campaign undertaken by the TDP among the Telugu-speaking people in Karnataka against the BJP for doing injustice to Andhra Pradesh had “paid results to some extent”. The BJP, which spoke big on democratic values and held the Congress party responsible for the unscientific bifurcation of the State, had given a go-by to the “constitutional norms and democratic principles,” he charged. Mr. Naidu underscored the “historic need” for the TDP to retaining power in 2019 and winning all the 25 MP seats to decide which party or combination of parties should form the next government at the Centre and ensure maximum benefits to the State. Referring to the Centre in principle sanctioning Central university in Anantapur district, he said the State was yet to get the promised Tribal University.
Revenue deficit
Instead of bridging the revenue deficit to the tune of ₹16,000 crore, the Centre was asking the State to settle for about ₹4,000 crore.
Instead of calling on the bereaved family members of the boat tragedy, the Leader of the Opposition was trying for political mileage by criticising the government. Cancelling the scheduled Cabinet meeting, he had rushed to the accident spot and sanctioned ex gratia, he said.
The State forged ahead in development in spite of limited resources, he said and sought the support and blessings of the people in ensuring accelerated growth.