Andhra Pradesh

Chiru, Narayana hold talks

HYDERABAD: Ending the suspense over its readiness to align with other political parties, the Praja Rajyam (PR) has announced its willingness to forge alliances with like-minded parties working with a pro-poor agenda.

As part of this, PR president Chiranjeevi met Communist Party of India State secretary K. Narayana to explore the possibility of an alliance between the two parties in the next elections. The meeting that took place at the film star’s residence on Sunday and kept under wraps till Tuesday assumes significance in view of the fact that the PR is yet to clarify its stand on the issues raised by the CPI (M).

These issues were highlighted when PR spokesman P. Mitra called on CPI (M) Polit Bureau member Sitaram Yechury recently.

Leaders of the two parties discussed some of the crucial issues facing the people during their hour-long meeting, but no concrete decision on alliances was taken. Dr. Mitra told reporters on Tuesday that the first exploratory meeting ended on a positive note and more such meetings were scheduled in the near future. “We discussed various political issues and the policies to be adopted, both at the State and national levels.”

Asked for details, Dr. Mitra said a realignment of political forces was currently under way and any talk on alliances would be nothing but “loud thinking for now.”

To a query on the Left’s inclination to join forces with the TDP, he asserted that the CPI and CPI (M) were friendly parties but it would take time for finalising a decision on alliances.

“We are not in a hurry,” he stated. When contacted, Dr. Narayana said there would be more such meetings in future. As of now the PR’s stand on issues like displacement of farmers in the name of SEZs was primarily pro-poor.

“It remains to be seen how far we can go together,” he said.

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