Critics argue that Prime Minister Modi and Amit Shah are manipulating regional parties in various states through corruption allegations and vulnerabilities. But in the Telugu states, this tactic appears to have backfired, undermining the BJP’s reputation and preventing its political expansion.
Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao of Telangana was friendly with the BJP leadership at first. KCR supported the central government when necessary, creating an impression of cooperation. However, when he took a confrontational stance against Modi, the central government reciprocated, casting doubt on their motives. This perceived political maneuvering has weakened the BJP’s standing in Telangana.
A similar dynamic exists in Andhra Pradesh, where Chief Minister Jaganmohan Reddy aligns with Modi and Shah. Despite facing criticism from the state’s BJP, Jaganmohan Reddy supports the central government in Parliament, emphasizing his loyalty. Frequent visits to Delhi and media coverage of his meetings with Modi and Shah reinforce the perception of cooperation. This has resulted in financial support from the center, further undermining the BJP’s credibility in the state.
It appears that the BJP’s central leadership is prioritizing their hold on the national government over regional expansion, inadvertently benefiting these regional parties. While the BJP may argue that this trend is detrimental to state-level growth, it is advantageous for parties like the BRS and YCP, as they seem to have leverage over the BJP due to their perceived cooperation with the central government. Ultimately, the BJP’s challenge in AP and Telangana reflects a complex interplay of politics and power dynamics.