The Alliance manifesto release event was delayed by four hours, and according to reliable sources from within the three parties, there was a significant reason for this delay.
The media had been informed a day earlier that the Alliance manifesto would be unveiled at Chandrababu Naidu's residence on the 30th of April at noon. Consequently, both the media and the people of the state eagerly awaited the release from noon onwards.
However, there was a substantial delay, with various reasons being cited. Upon investigation into the cause of the four-hour delay, it was revealed that a major issue had arisen.
It was reported that a large photo of Modi had been placed on a flexi related to the manifesto release. However, BJP leaders criticized Babu and Pawan, questioning why they were featuring Modi in the presentation when he wasn't part of the manifesto.
Allegedly, a warning was issued against displaying Modi's photo on the flexis during the media conference, prompting a last-minute change.
Furthermore, BJP leaders informed Chandrababu and Pawan that they would not be attending the manifesto release. This news came as a shock to both of them.
Reportedly, both Chandrababu Naidu and Pawan lamented to BJP elders, stating that if this were the case, the manifesto would lose its value. However, the BJP stated that they were not ready to take any responsibility for the manifesto.
Chandrababu and Pawan were taken aback by these developments and struggled to comprehend the situation.
After much negotiation and persuasion, BJP leaders reluctantly agreed to include BJP state co-in-charge Siddharth Nath Singh at the event.
Hence, it was evident to observers that Singh seemed reluctant even to touch a copy of the manifesto.
It is said that behind the four-hour delay of the press meet, there was considerable drama that took place.