KCR’s close aide TRS MP AP Jithender Reddy took everyone by surprise when he stated that the CM repeatedly wished to become an ally of BJP. To be able to avail more benefits from the center KCR wanted TRS to be a part of the Union Cabinet. However, TRS MPs advised him against it.

The MP from Mahabubnagar, said he insisted the CM to abandon the idea of joining NDA. The prospects of remaining outside the government are way to high compared to being with them. For a new state like Telangana to make its voice heard, remaining outside the government would be strategic.

Jitender Reddy put forth his case by saying that the saffron party without any ally has 280 members and with allies the total strength is 330 in Lok Sabha. The voice of allies in NDA is going unheard and being in opposition would at least give them an opportunity to speak. To support his argument, the MP cited examples of TDP and Shiv Sena who never got an opportunity to speak in the parliament.

The MP claimed that TRS might lose the support of Muslims if they have an alliance with a party that abides by the Hindutva principles. However, he affirmed that any good move like demonetisation will be supported by TRS, but the regional party is better off, on its own.

These statements pretty much clear the air regarding – KCR trying to merge TDP into TRS

, TRS going easy with BJP during the assembly sessions in 2016. Moreover, joining NDA as such is a bad idea, especially looking at the ire the TDP MPs of AP are facing.