It is known Prime Minister Narendra Modi is coming to take part in a BJP public meeting near Guntur on January 6. As it is not an official meeting, AP CM N Chandrababu Naidu has decided not to give official reception and send-off to Modi. So in effect, CBN and Modi will have no contact at all during the latter’s visit.

However, Governor ESL Narasimhan is expected to arrive a couple of hours prior to Modi’s arrival in order to receive the prime minister. The development speaks volumes about the wide gap between the Centre-State relations in times of fast approaching general election. Moreover, the relations between the TDP and the BJP are at their lowest point mostly because of the BJP state leaders who have created irreconcilable differences between Naidu and Modi.

Modi is expected to attack the ruling TDP during his coming visit and he may deliver a detailed speech on various steps taken by the Centre to support the crisis-ridden Andhra Pradesh after bifurcation. This public meeting assumes lot of political significance which is why CM Naidu is attacking Modi on a daily basis by releasing white papers on the Centre’s indifference to AP’s needs and the TDP government’s achievements.

The Chief Minister’s Office has already studied the issue to verify whether CM Naidu has to mandatory extend reception to PM at the airport. Though Naidu has not finalised his stand, it is agreed he need not official meet Modi considering his nature of visit.

G.Ravikiran