Anti-BJP platform to meet in New Delhi: Naidu

As a follow-up to the November 1 meeting of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu with AICC chief Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi, former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot came to Amaravati on Saturday and discussed further course of action on the proposed "Anti-BJP platform" at the national level.

Addressing a joint press conference, Naidu said that he will soon meet West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, and invite her for the proposed meeting in New Delhi expected to be held on November 22. "We have discussed national agenda, and how to take it forward. All parties opposing the BJP must come forward and take the movement forward to save democracy, nation and Constitution," Naidu said.

Explaining the need for such a platform, Naidu said that the Narendra Modi government has troubled every citizen in the country. "The demonetisation hurt the growth of the country, the economy bore the brunt and prices skyrocketed. All institutions were under severe pressure, and it is time for responsible political parties and leaders to come forward," Naidu said.

Ashok Gehlot said that for the first time, the Congress and the TDP have come together after decades of differences. "This is the first time we have come together to save democracy and to save nation as the Constitution is getting weaker under the BJP-RSS rule," Gehlot said.

He said demonetisation was projected as a panacea by the BJP-led government. “Now finance minister says that it was meant to increase revenue. But revenue can’t be increased by 'note bandi,'... will you do it again, to rise revenue?" Geholt questioned.

He said that all institutions were under severe pressure and the atmosphere is like an undeclared emergency.