The new bonhomie

As the Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao held parleys with Prime Minister and other central leaders, seeking more funds for Telangana, national television channels ran stories of TRS joining the NDA. In fact, political circles have been agog with speculation for quite some time, suggesting a possible TRS–BJP patch-up. The recent Statements by Chandrashekar Rao and other TRS leaders indicate a new bonhomie with the BJP.

Both the parties intensely debated alliance even before the 2014 General Elections. At one point of time, the two were inching towards an alliance. However, the central leadership of the BJP favoured an alliance with the TDP as elections were held in undivided Andhra Pradesh. The State BJP leadership witnessed a virtual revolt in the party over the alliance with TDP. The Telangana leadership, barring few leaders from Greater Hyderabad, was vehemently opposed to an alliance with TDP. Thus, despite TRS not having an alliance with Congress, the BJP could not have any deal with it.

But, the political situation has completely altered since then. The TRS has come to power in Telangana. The BJP shares power with TDP both at the Centre and in Andhra Pradesh. The Telangana BJP leadership is putting forth an argument to steer through this complex political chemistry in the two Telugu States whose inter relationship cannot be wished away. The argument is simple. The BJP does not see any party as a permanent friend or foe. When it can keep even Shiv Sena waiting and calling, it can do so with any other party. Despite the recent Delhi debacle, the Telangana BJP leaders still believe that their party is in a commanding situation in the market for alliances. Telangana and Andhra Pradesh are two different States. Therefore, the respective State BJP units claim that they can choose allies depending on the concrete political situation in their State. A section of Telangana BJP argues that the party can forge an alliance with TRS in the State whether or not the party shares power with TDP in Andhra Pradesh.

However, there seem to be no consensus within the BJP on the question of either divorcing TDP or coming closer to TRS. An influential section within the BJP firmly believes that the party would benefit from keeping a distance from TRS and mobilising the people alienated from TRS. They also believe that the party would grow by taking a strong adversarial position towards the TRS government, as people would be increasingly disillusioned with the government-led by K Chandrashekar Rao. Similarly, a major section of Telangana BJP also holds the view that continuing friendship with TDP is a liability, especially in Telangana. Even a section of Andhra Pradesh BJP also feels that their ambitions for independent growth are constrained by their participation in Chandrababu Naidu government. The BJP is anxiously scouting for leaders in other parties to bolster its presence in Andhra Pradesh.

Even as the BJP is yet to arrive at a consensus on its future relations with either TDP or TRS, the TRS has started displaying friendly gestures. The TRS leaders interpret this new-found love as an attempt to have good relations with the central government to garner more funds for the State. In a federal set-up, any State government has to forge good relations with the Centre and vice versa. But, the clear demarcation line between inter governmental relationship and inter party relationship has been missing giving rise to such speculation.

The contradictory Statements from the TRS leadership illustrate this. The TRS leadership was always critical of Venkaiah Naidu‘s role during and after the bifurcation of the State. The contention of TRS was that Venkaiah Naidu in collusion with Chandrababu Naidu was harming the interests of Telangana. Even KCR publicly expressed his displeasure with Venkaiah Naidu. But, the recent Statements of even KCR reveal a volte face in this regard. KCR recently said that Venkaiah Naidu‘s presence in the Union Cabinet is a boon for both the Telugu States. How did the bane turn into a boon? The political message between the lines is clear. Chief Minister KCR has even heaped praise on Narendra Modi. None can forget the objectionable Statements of KCR on Narendra Modi during the poll campaign and even after he assumed office of the Prime Minister. Politicians can change their Statements so often. But, they are not without some political message. The TRS is either eager to join the NDA bandwagon or the State government is keen to have amicable relationship with the Centre. In a federal set up, the States and Centre should have cordial relationship. But, this need not be incumbent upon the ruling party in the State having a close relationship with the party in power at the Centre.

Meanwhile, the TRS insiders also tell us that there are even rumors over who would be inducted into the Modi cabinet in case the TRS joins the NDA. Kavitha’s name is doing rounds. But, BJP is reportedly interested in inducting Jitender Reddy due to his earlier association with the party. But, all this still remains in the realm of speculation.

The BJP is also not in a hurry to expand the NDA as elections are not round the corner and the party on its own enjoys majority. The TRS may also not effect any change in its strategy till the GHMC polls as the party is keen on sailing with MIM as the minority vote is crucial in the city. The political situation would be clear, perhaps, only after the GHMC polls unless any major political changes come through. Till then the bonhomie may continue with occasional fireworks from both sides.

By: Prof K Nageshwar