KTR meets Jagan, calls to unite regional parties

In a significant political move, the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) on Wednesday invited, their main opposition party in Andhra Pradesh, YSR Congress party to join hands to work for the non-BJP, non-Congress Federal Front at the national level that Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao is garnering support for.

TRS working President K Taraka Ramarao met YS Jaganmohan Reddy at his Lotus Pond residence here for a luncheon meeting. Members of parliament from both the parties were also present. “In continuation with the phone call that my father had with Mr Jaganmohan Reddy yesterday, I met him and his team. We hope that likeminded forces who believe in strengthening regional parties and states will come together,” KTR said after meeting Jagan.

KTR was categorical in saying that KCR will personally meet in Jagan in Andhra Pradesh and further dwell upon the subject. He said that KCR has already met Chief Ministers of several states in an effort to stitch a national alternative to both NDA and UPA. Terming the meeting as preparatory for the crucial meeting of Jagan with KCR, the TRS working president said that the party is not against the centre granting Special category status (SCS) to the sibling state of Andhra Pradesh.

YS Jaganmohan Reddy also agreed to unite the regional parties to compete with national parties. “The present government at the centre is not respecting the promises made by its predecessor. To overcome such a situation we need strength in Lok Sabha. If 17 MPs from Telangana join hands with 25 of Andhra, we can pose a serious threat,” Jagan said keeping his decision of joining the federal front in reserve.

“We welcome the efforts to unite the regional parties by KCR. KCR had called me again after our meet,” Jagan said adding that he will discuss with party leaders about the issues that have come up in the meeting.

However, the meeting of TRS heir with Jagan in Hyderabad has led to speculations that it has opened up doors for KCR to offer his “return gift “to TDP Chief Nara Chandrababu Naidu in the ensuing general elections. KCR declared his open support to Jagan following the campaign of Naidu in the Telangana Assembly elections. TRS and AIMIM will be campaigning in support of Jagan in Andhra Pradesh.