To create ‘anti-BJP platform’, Chandrababu Naidu calls key Opposition parties' meet on November 22

Telugu Desam Party (TDP) Chief and Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday invited all the Opposition parties for a key meeting in the national capital on November 22 to “chalk out strategy” and “build an organisational structure” to create an anti-BJP platform for 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

Addressing the media after meeting senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot at his Amaravati residence, Naidu said, “We want to create an anti-BJP platform. We want to have one meeting in Delhi. We'll discuss issues and then chalk out a programme. The meeting will be held on November 22.”

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The Andhra Pradesh CM said that the anti-BJP front, he is trying to form, is in the national interest to save the democracy and the constitutional institutions of the country.

“This is in the interest of the nation. Save democracy, save the nation and save institutions — that is the national agenda, an utmost important agenda,” Naidu said.

Referring to his party’s tie-up with the Congress for upcoming Assembly elections in Telangana, the TDP chief said that although the alliance was a “democratic compulsion”, it was in national interests.

 “We tied up with Congress due to democratic compulsion in the interest of the nation. I am appealing to all parties: we should put aside our differences and join together for the broader cause,” Naidu said.

Congress General Secretary Ashok Gehlot also spoke about the first ever alliance between the Grand Old Party and the TDP and termed it as the need of the hour to protect the nation.

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“(It is) to protect the country. We will all come together on November 22 to finalise the future course of action,” Gehlot said.

Speaking more about the proposed Opposition gig on November 22, Naidu said that a “final meeting” With Trinamool Congress chief and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee will be held on November 19 or 20.