HYDERABAD: The BJP might be considering Telangana as its hunting ground to foray into the South but the ruling TRS is more keen on continuing its friendly relations with the BJP. On Monday, when the BJP picked Ramnath Kovind as its presidential candidate and Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed the decision to Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, Rao had no second thoughts on extending his support to BJP’s presidential candidate.
The recent three-day tour of the state by BJP national chief Amit Shah saw a slanging match between TRS and BJP and KCR lashed out at Shah. Rao, however, praised Modi while attacking Shah and indicated that his relations with the PM were good.
The BJP needs the support of parties like TRS and YSR Congress from the Telugu states and it has succeeded in getting the support of the TRS in TS. The TRS has 14 Lok Sabha members and two Rajya Sabha members. Now, all the 16 MPs will support the BJP’s presidential candidate in case there is voting.
Immediately after deciding on Ramnath Kovind as NDA’s presidential candidature, Narendra Modi called up KCR and sought his support, saying, “As per your suggestion, we have decided upon a Dalit candidate for the President’s post.” Later, he requested Rao to support NDA’s candidate, a press release from the Chief Minister’s Office said.
After receiving the phone call from Modi, the CM consulted his party leaders and cabinet members. Later, he conveyed to the PM that TRS was supporting the NDA’s presidential candidate.
There are several reasons for the TRS’ decision to support NDA candidate. First, the BJP is fielding a Dalit for the nation’s highest constitutional post. Second, right from the beginning Rao has been maintaining cordial relations with the Centre in true federal spirit.