A Hamletian dilemma seems to have gripped the BJP in Andhra Pradesh.
TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu has landed the BJP in a tight spot by lauding Prime Minister Narendra Modi, apparently indicating his willingness to return to the NDA alliance ruling at the Centre.
The state BJP leaders have never missed an opportunity to denounce dynasty politics in parties such as the YSRCP, TDP, and the Congress.
The saffron party leaders maintained a stoic silence even two days after Naidu’s public appreciation of Modi. Perhaps, they might be waiting for the party high command’s stand on the issue so that their utterances would not boomerang.
But, the central leaders are keeping everyone in the state guessing without either snubbing Naidu or welcoming his remarks. They are keeping quiet, leaving the local leaders in a quandary.
Also read: Is Naidu’s U-turn on PM Modi a sign of desperation?
The BJP’s Andhra Pradesh unit is a divided house. While one group wants to go with only Jana Sena or alone, another faction wants a grand alliance including the TDP.
One more group wants to maintain neutrality, but covertly help the ruling YSRCP and gain from it in the state.
The YSRCP has criticised Naidu, saying he sent TDP leaders like YV Chowdhary and CM Ramesh to the saffron camp so that they would influence the BJP bosses whenever the regional outfit wants an alliance with the national party.
By maintaining silence, it is unknown whether the central leadership is helping the pro-Naidu group or the anti-TDP faction in the party.
