TDP, BJP poll deal likely by Ugadi - TeluguPeople.com News

HYDERABAD: Alliance talks between the TDP and the BJP reached a crucial stage with both sides intensifying efforts to come to an understanding on seat-sharing, particularly in Telangana.

BJP spokesman Prakash Javadekar went into a huddle with TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu at the latter's residence in a bid to sort out differences.

'The negotiations with TDP are stuck over seat-sharing in Telangana. The matter is likely to be cleared by Ugadi, Telugu New Year (March 31),' said BJP sources.

However, it appears that seat-sharing in Seemandhra too hit a roadblock with the BJP insisting on Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam Lok Sabha seats. The TDP, as of now, is ready to offer only Tirupati, Narsapur, Rajampet and Ongole LS seats in Seemandhra to the BJP.

The BJP is demanding 45 Assembly and eight LS seats in Telangana and 25 Assembly and 5 LS seats in Seemandhra. However, the TDP is ready to part with only 35 Assembly and eight LS seats in Telangana and 15 Assembly and 4 LS seats in Seemandhra.

Naidu reportedly told Javadekar that the TDP has a strong cadre in both the regions and could win more seats than the BJP. Sources said Javadekar told him he would convey his opinion to his party leadership. After the meeting, Javadekar said, 'Discussions are going on. We will let you know as soon as we take a decision on alliance.'

Interestingly, even as the talks are underway, the BJP began the process of selection of party candidates in Telangana and Seemandhra. Prakash Javadekar himself announced that the party had started the exercise. Within hours of his announcement, he got a call from Naidu inviting him for talks at his residence.

Javadekar along with party senior leader Satishji met Naidu at his residence around 4 p.m.. The meeting lasted for over two hours. According to sources, Javadekar told Naidu the number of seats being offered to his party in Telangana were very less compared to its strength in the region.

BJP Telangana unit chief G Kishan Reddy, who has been opposing the alliance from the beginning, is not happy over the way Naidu is trying to give less seats to the BJP. Reddy had reportedly told the party leadership not to forge alliance with the yellow party in Telangana.

When asked about Javadekar-Naidu's meeting, he made no secret of his displeasure. 'I am not at all aware of the meeting. I came to know of it only through the media. No one told me about the meeting,' he claimed.

He said his party's Telangana election committee would start selecting candidates from Friday evening.

Even Seemandhra BJP leaders are not happy with Naidu's offer. In fact, Visakhapatnam LS seat is turning out to be a major bone of contention. The TDP inducted Congress leader Ganta Srinivasa Rao into the party after promising him the seat.

But within days, Union minister D Purandeswari quit the Congress and joined the BJP and she too wants to be re-nominated from Vizag. BJP's Seemandhra chief Kambhampati Haribabu too is eyeing the seat.

The fight for Vizag is spilling over to Vijayawada as well. According to sources, Purandeswari is not averse to contesting from Vijayawada but, the TDP has already nominated Kesineni Nani for it.

Strategic Delay?

The TDP and BJP have almost sealed the deal but, may take a final call after a couple of more meetings. It's (the delay) more of a strategy than differences, a TDP leader claimed.

'As municipal elections are being held on March 30 in both the regions, any disclosure of seat-sharing now may encourage those who are unlikely to get tickets to work against the party. At the same time, we are observing the possibility of Cong joining hands with TRS,' he said.