Chandrababu Naidu slammed the Modi government, saying none of its populist slogans worked. (File)
A day after the BJP-led central government completed four years, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said today that it was a government of "more talk, less action". The president of NDA's former ally Telugu Desam Party, Mr Naidu, also attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying he only survives on publicity.
Mr Naidu was addressing the 34th 'Mahanadu' or annual conclave of the TDP. He said that regional parties will come to power after 2019 general elections, and his party will play a crucial role in national politics.
The TDP had pulled out of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance government in March over the central government's refusal to accord special category status to Andhra Pradesh.
The TDP leader slammed the Modi government, saying none of its populist slogans like 'Make in India', 'Startup India' and 'Standup India' yielded the desired results.
"Has anybody benefited from Modi's schemes?" asked the TDP leader in his inaugural address at the three-day meet.
He said demonetisation destroyed the Indian banking system and people had to run to the banks to get their own hard-earned money. He alleged that the Goods and Services Tax imposed a burden on the common man.
Mr Naidu said people lost confidence in the banking system due to scams. "According to a survey, there is 61 per cent corruption in the central government. What is your answer?" he asked his audience.
He reminded the BJP of its poll promise to implement the Swaminathan Commission report to bail out the agricultural sector.
Mr Naidu remarked that BJP's claim of being a party with a difference is ridiculous as its leaders were caught red-handed while trying to buy lawmakers in Karnataka.
The Andhra Chief Minister said that PM Modi faced a public protest in Tamil Nadu for interfering in the state's politics by using the Cauvery water dispute as an excuse.
The Chief Minister also alleged that the central government is taking revenge on Andhra Pradesh for demanding fulfilment of the commitments made by the then government when Andhra Pradesh was bifurcated to carve out Telangana state.
Mr Naidu also claimed that the Modi government tried to take over Tirupati temple under this conspiracy. He warned that anybody resorting to such a move will have to pay a heavy price.
Declaring that a special category status is the right of Andhra Pradesh, Mr Naidu said he would not to rest till this was achieved.
The TDP chief told the delegates that their party will retain power in the state and play a key role in national politics too.
Stating that the TDP has 70 lakh workers, he said only it could build a new Andhra Pradesh and bring a change in national politics.
Party delegates from both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are attending the conclave, which will pass 34 resolutions on various issues. The key political resolution will be adopted on the last day.
With inputs from IANS