Date: July 31, 2024

GVL Narasimha Rao Starts 2017 Game Against TDP Again?

GVL’s Controversial Remarks

While this financial support could bring positive coverage to the central NDA government, GVL Narasimha Rao, a senior local leader, has started a campaign to corner the current TDP+ government. YCP leaders have been projecting the Rs 15,000 crore financial help for Amaravati as merely a loan. Now, GVL’s supporting statements to YCP have gained media attention.

Significant Funding for Amaravati

Last week, the Union Finance Ministry allocated Rs 15,000 crore to Amaravati through multilateral agencies. This is the most significant financial allotment to Amaravati in the last five years. The central government has taken full responsibility for securing the loan.

GVL Narasimha Rao Clarifying the Loan Status

GVL termed the Rs 15,000 crore funding as a long-term loan. He stated, “The central government only assured a loan of Rs 15,000 crore through other agencies. This isn’t a grant or anything. We don’t have the derivatives on who will have to pay this loan; we have to wait and see.” He implied that the AP government might have to repay the loan.

GVL Narasimha Rao Echoes of 2017 Tactics

GVL’s argument aligns with the statements made by YCP leaders, who labeled the financial aid to Amaravati as a loan, not a direct contribution from the center. Notably, AP BJP veterans like GVL Narasimha Rao, Vishnu Kumar, and Somu Veerraju played a similar game in 2017 when TDP+ was in power. They frequently blamed TDP for complaints against the government and made problematic remarks about CM Chandrababu. This attempt was to show their ally, TDP, in a bad light, which went against the spirit of the alliance.

Repeating History in 2024

GVL has started making discriminatory statements about Amaravati just two months after the formation of the NDA government here. Instead of focusing on the allocation made to Amaravati, which is crucial now, GVL could have waited for clarification. By labeling the allocation as a loan, he risks evaporating any good impression the center could have garnered and casts a shadow on TDP.

Conclusion

The game seen from certain BJP leaders in 2017 with their anti-TDP and pro-YCP stance appears to be emerging again in 2024. GVL Narasimha Rao’s recent comments highlight a potentially divisive strategy that could affect the perception of both the central and state governments.