Here's Chandrababu Naidu's first response on TDP's Rajya Sabha unit merging with BJP

Chandrababu Naidu reacted to MPs from his party the Telugu Desam Party passing a resolution to merge with the BJP. On Thursday, TDP's Rajya Sabha unit passed a resolution to merge with the BJP during the former Andhra Pradesh CM's absence. Naidu is presently in London. 

Speaking to Republic TV, YS Chowdary, who had resigned earlier, said: "2/3rd members of Rajya Sabha of TDP are joining the BJP. The Rajya Sabha unit of TDP is merging with BJP with immediate effect. This is a Legislature Party, we are merging that. We have not talked to Chandrababu Naidu." 

Reacting to the news, Naidu said, "We fought with BJP only for Special Category Status & state's interests  We sacrificed Central ministers for Special Status, I condemn the attempts of BJP to weaken TDP. The crisis is not new to the party. Leaders and cadre have nothing to be nervous about." 

In the resolution passed by the TDP, the members say that they are inspired by the leadership of PM Modi and the developmental policies pursued by him in the national interest. 

Earlier, 4 TDP Rajya Sabha MPs namely YS Chowdhary, TG Venkatesh, CM Ramesh and Garikapati  Mohan Rao had submitted a letter of resignation to Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu regarding their decision to leave the TDP. Dissent among TDP leaders was reportedly already present after the party's dismal performance in the Lok Sabha and concurrent state assembly 

TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu, who had skipped PM Modi's NITI Aayog meeting and all-party presidents' meeting, is on a holiday touring Europe with his family after he left the country on Wednesday. He is expected to return on April 26.

READ | SENSATIONAL: In A Massive Coup, Rajya Sabha Unit Of Chandrababu Naidu's TDP Passes A Resolution To Merge Its Legislature Party With The BJP