Agree to disagree on Muslim quota: TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu

TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu said there are differences among alliance partners over reservation to Muslims, but those will be sorted out amicably. He said the Amaravati capital city project will be revived if the NDA forms government in AP. Naidu said his party’s alliance with BJP and Jana Sena was formed on moral values and he will stand by it
How different and difficult is this for you?
We are facing this election at a time when all democratic institutions have been destroyed in the state.This election is difficult because we are facing a man with an unpredictable and dictatorial attitude. But the winds of change are clearly visible among the people. I have never seen such anger against any govt in the past.
What’s your view on Muslim reservations?
We are committed and in favour of Muslim reservations. There could be some differences among alliance partners on some issues, but we will sort it out amicably. There is no wrong in agreeing to disagree.
Is special category status for the state a closed chapter now?
We fought for special status for further growth of the state. But now, the damage done by the YSRCP govt in the last five years is much more than the pain of bifurcation. Andhra Pradesh is reeling under debts of Rs 13 lakh crore. Given the financial situation of the state, we need assistance from the Union govt to revive and rebuild the state. We have formed the alliance in that context.
How are you going to revive the Amaravati capital city project?
Amaravati was planned with a futuristic vision. I wanted to make it one of the best cities in the world. It was because of my credibility and persuasion that the Prime Minister of Singapore agreed to partner with us in the development of Amaravati. When I talked about the Singapore model while developing Hyderabad, nobody believed me. Today, Hyderabad has grown to an extent of matching the GDP of Singapore. It will be difficult to revive the project as it was conceived, but we are confident that we can do it with the support of the Union govt.
What, according to you, is the biggest issue in this election?
YSRCP govt started its reign with the demolition of Praja Vedika. From that day, Jagan Mohan Reddy went on a spree of destruction and demolition. Amaravati, Polavaram, irrigation projects, industries, and what not… Everything was set in backward motion by this govt. Unemployment is at its peak, not even one section of society is happy.
You have defined your manifesto as an aspirational one…
All promises made in the manifesto will be implemented in a time bound manner. We will fix all leakages in two to three months. The Jagan Reddy govt raised huge debts on one hand, while imposing heavy taxes with the other. Looting of public resources and destruction of wealth have put the state in a financially critical situation. These things need to be fixed first, and it would be our first priority after forming the govt.
What role is TDP going to play at the national level?
We are part of NDA. We will take a decision whether to join the govt or not after the elections.
What if NDA doesn’t come to power? Do you have a plan B?
There is no need for plan B. We are aiming for 400 seats, and we are confident of achieving it.
Your take on inheritance tax?
The concept of inheritance tax is only good for sloganeering, it will not help in bringing real change.
There is an impression that youngsters, other than from political families, are not keen to join politics?
Money has become an entry barrier for newcomers into politics. But it is a matter of time. Soon, people who have become successful in different walks of life will come to politics. People like Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar are coming to politics for respect and service. More people like him should come into politics. But the problem is, people are choosing politics to earn more money which is not good for democracy.
What role is Pawan Kalyan going to play in the govt?
As of now we are only focused on winning the election. We will work out on that after our first target is achieved.
What if you get a chance to become PM if a third front emerges again?
I have denied that position in the past. I am committed to serve the people of the state and do not have any other aspirations. With or without power, I have earned the respect of people. I will give my 100% only to people of my state.