The Vice President election is bringing unexpected alignments in national politics. While YSRCP chief Jagan Mohan Reddy announced his party’s support for the NDA nominee CP Radhakrishnan, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu had a sharp but measured response.
During his Delhi visit, Chandrababu made it clear that TDP, being an NDA ally, had no hesitation in backing the candidate chosen unanimously by the alliance. But when asked about Jagan’s support for the same nominee, Naidu avoided giving direct credit. Instead, he remarked, “Ask Jagan about it. We will not interfere in their decisions. As an NDA partner, we can only speak for ourselves.”
This subtle reply carried weight, as it highlighted that TDP’s support is part of a political alliance, while Jagan’s move is seen as an agenda with other interests. Naidu kept the focus on the fact that TDP has been part of the NDA decision-making process right from the start, whereas YSRCP was never a partner.
When questioned why TDP did not support Telugu candidate B. Sudarshan Reddy from the INDIA bloc, Chandrababu explained that if Sudarshan Reddy had been NDA’s choice, they would have surely supported him. But since CP Radhakrishnan, a senior leader with vast political and constitutional experience, was selected, extending support was the obvious decision.
By diplomatically brushing aside Jagan’s decision and reasserting TDP’s central role in NDA, Chandrababu ensured that the political spotlight stayed firmly on his leadership while downplaying YSRCP’s sudden support to the ruling alliance at the Centre.
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