BJP Chief Amit Shah Holds Talks With Chandrababu Naidu, To Meet More Allies

NEW DELHI: After some allies expressed concern over lack of coordination in the NDA, BJP chief Amit Shah today met Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP president Chandrababu Naidu and will be meeting leaders of other ruling alliance constituents in the coming days.

The initiative has got underway after Akali Dal and Shiv Sena voiced concern over “lack of coordination” in the NDA in a meeting of its constituents yesterday, prompting Mr Shah’s reach out.

Asked about the issue flagged by the two allies, Mr Naidu downplayed it but told reporters that some states and parties may have some concerns which can be discussed in one to one meetings like this.

Speaking to reporters following his meeting with Mr Shah, the TDP leader said larger national and political issues should be discussed in the NDA meeting, while state and party-specific matters can be raised in one to one talks.

BJP sources said the exercise will help in obtaining inputs from allies on political and governmental matters, particularly ahead of the Budget Session during which the opposition would seek to corner the Modi government on a variety of issues.

“Being the head of the largest NDA constituent, BJP chief is the key driver of the alliance. Such meetings will help in better floor management and also countering the opposition effectively,” he said.

Mr Naidu was the NDA convener during the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government and TDP sources said his experience will be of help in running the alliance smoothly.

PTI