We are coming together, to save the nation. We have to forget the past, now it is a democratic compulsion to unite.… https://t.co/c0uF5cy6qO — ANI (@ANI) 1541071241000

Naidu indulging in political tourism: BJP

(With inputs from agencies)

NEW DELHI: Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Congress president Rahul Gandhi met in the national capital on Thursday and emphasized the need to unite the opposition parties to defeat the BJP in the 2019 Lok Sabha election.Addressing the media after the meeting, Naidu said that his mission is to bring all anti-BJP parties on a common platform ahead of next year's polls.Naidu said he was in discussion with all political parties. "We will meet on a common platform and chalk out strategies," he said.In his second visit to the national capital within a week, Chandrababu Naidu also held meetings with NCP chief Sharad Pawar and National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah .Launching a scathing attack on the BJP, the TDP chief said that the government is systematically demolishing all the institutions in the country, including the RBI, the CBI and even the Supreme Court.Mirroring Naidu's views, Rahul said that the main challenge before the opposition parties is to defend India's institutions and the democracy. "Everything else should take a backseat," the Congress chief added.Gandhi said opposition parties will work together on important issues, including unemployment and corruption in the Rafale fighter jet deal.The two senior leaders, however, parried questions regarding the leadership of such a front. "We are thinking of the nation first. Our main motive is to save the democracy," Naidu said."It is very clear that corruption is taking place. Institutions that can investigate are being attacked ... A proper inquiry on what all happened, where the money went and who did corruption... that is what I am pushing very aggressively. Nation wants to know this," the Congress president said."We are coming together to stop this attack and save the nation," he added.Naidu's meeting with Gandhi comes amid seat-sharing talks between the two parties for the December 7 assembly elections in Telangana.Earlier today, Naidu met NCP chief Sharad Pawar and National Conference president Farooq Abdullah.The three senior leaders expressed their dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs in the country and stressed on the need for all anti-BJP parties to join hands for the upcoming Lok Sabha election."This great nation has given us so much. We have to protect its future. Nation is all we are interested in. They have instructed me to talk to all anti-BJP parties to chalk out a programme. That is why I am here," Naidu told reporters.The BJP Thursday took a dig at Andhra Praesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu over his meetings with several opposition leaders here, saying he was indulging in "political tourism".Naidu is diverting attention from Andhra Pradesh where he is facing imminent defeat in next state and parliamentary elections."He comes to Delhi for political tourism and photo session," BJP spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain said here.He claimed that as soon as Naidu, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief, reaches Hyderabad all his efforts of 'mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance) for Delhi collapses."Today by standing with the Congress, Chandrababu has destroyed the legacy of N T Rama Rao. Whereas Rahul Gandhi is so weak that he is looking for support from anyone," he said.