Congress -TRS face-off heartens BJP
HYDERABAD: Even as the Congress and the TRS indulge in a blow-hot, blow-cold game, the BJP appears to be seriously pursuing a possible alliance with the pink party. While the TRS has already ruled out merger with the Congress, chances of even an alliance between the two are fading with each passing day.
The TRS is keen that it should be given a leadership role in the formation of a new government post-elections, but the Congress appears unwilling to concede the same. The TRS leadership is also miffed that the Congress has always been displaying a 'big brother' attitude, both in private and public, in dealing with it.
Comments being made by central leaders of the Congress over the past few days have also not helped cool the temperature.
The BJP is said to be keen to cash in on the growing distance between the Congress and the TRS. The saffron party, which has still not firmed up an alliance with the TDP, is reportedly not averse to tying up with the TRS in Telangana. It still leaves the national party the option of having the TDP as an ally in Andhra-Rayalaseema.
As far as the TRS is concerned, an alliance with the BJP is, any day, a better proposition. While the Congress would be the 'big player' in a Congress-TRS alliance, that role can be captured by the TRS in a TRS-BJP combination. In the event of the BJP coming to power at the Centre, it would also help the TRS play a reasonably big role in Delhi.
In any case, the TRS seems to be of the view that its position would be definitely better off with the BJP in company rather than the Congress.
Statements made by AICC general secretary Digvijay Singh, currently in Hyderabad, gave enough hints that an alliance with the TRS may not be happening. 'Let them come with a constructive proposal and we shall consider,' he told the TRS leadership.
At the same time, he said the Congress would welcome TRS leaders if they want to join the party. He also indicated that the Congress is ready to contest all seats - both Assembly and Parliament.
Confirming that the BJP is in touch with them, a senior TRS leader told Express: 'Yes. They did approach us and we are considering the option though a final decision is yet to be taken.'
News Posted: 15 March, 2014
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