Telugu Desam Party (TDP) vice-president Peddi Reddy on Saturday argued in favour of Odisha Chief Minister and BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik as a “national leader”. “I appeal to the people to elect BJD candidates (in large numbers),” said Reddy at a Press conference here. Patnaik is a secular leader who can emerge as a “national leader” after the elections, he said.
He, however, hastened to add that it was his personal opinion and not that of the TDP. Asked how he, being an ally of NDA, could support the BJD, Reddy said the party is not contesting here and the alliance was limited for Andhra Pradesh.Global Peace Initiative, USA, president Dr KA Paul, who was present, also appealed to the people to vote for the BJD in large numbers so as to make Patnaik Prime Minister. Both the leaders had met Patnaik earlier in morning at his residence.