While the power dynamics in Karnataka remain fluid, the BJP has simultaneosly intensified its political war game in Andhra Pradesh.
As soon as the Karnataka result was out, BJP national general secretary and AP incharge Ram Madhav made an aggressive statement on the gameplan in AP and South. In a tweet, he said, “In Karnataka, TDP and Chandrababu Naidu have used all tactics to dissuade Telugu voters from supporting BJP. But in Hyderabad-Karnataka where most Telugus live, BJP has increased its tally from 6 to 20+. People have rejected CBN’s politics. Our Southward March has begun.”
The BJP, after the bitter experience with its former alliance partner TDP, is leaving no stone unturned to firm up in the State.
Strategic selection
A day after the polling in Karnataka, the party made its first move appointing former Congress Minister and five-time MLA from Guntur Kanna Lakshminarayana the party president. Losing no time, Mr. Lakshminarayana said he would give a fitting reply to the TDP’s “false campaign” against the Centre and would popularise the Central help. His selection is strategic as he belongs to the Kapu community that has over 27% vote share. In addition, the BJP’s plan also includes keeping the Opposition YSRCP and actor Pawan Kalyan’s Jana Sena in good humour with the aim of adding this key southern State to its kitty at any cost. There is also a talk in the BJP circles that there could be a probe into the alleged irregularities and corruption charges in the TDP government. Some leaders are seen making open statements about a couple of Ministers and senior leaders.
The TDP, which campaigned against the party in Karnataka, fears the likelihood of Central investigation. The leadership is making defensive statements that such probes will be resisted in the best way possible. And that the party is not scared of the CBI and other agencies.
