Date:14/07/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/14/stories/2008071458871000.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Mayawati speaks to Chandrababu Naidu

Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD: In a clear indication of realignment of political forces in the run-up to the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government’s vote of confidence on July 22, the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Mayawati, spoke to the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) president, N. Chandrababu Naidu, on Sunday.

This is for the first time that both leaders spoke after Ms. Mayawati withdrew her party’s support to the UPA government.

Both were believed to have discussed ways of bringing together anti-Congress and anti-BJP forces on a single platform and vote against the UPA government.

She is said to have requested Mr. Naidu to be present in New Delhi at the time of the floor test since the difference between those supporting and opposing the confidence vote was narrow.

Mr. Naidu ,who is in Khammam attending a party meeting of the State executive, reportedly welcomed Ms. Mayawati’s stand and impressed on the need for coordinating the efforts with the Left parties.

He is also believed to have sounded her to join the United National Progressive Alliance since the Samajwadi Party had joined decided to support the UPA government. TDP sources said Mr. Naidu is likely to take a break from his ‘Mee Kosam yatra’ and visit Delhi on July 19 and 20 to coordinate UNPA-Left parties’ efforts and marshal support for voting against the government.

The party sources said the CPI (M) general secretary, Prakash Karat, was also in touch with Mr. Naidu and both discussed the strategy to be adopted for defeating the trust vote.