Date:04/01/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/01/04/stories/2009010453720400.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

TRS may sail with TDP-Left combine

Party likely to make an official announcement to this effect before the month-end

Alliance necessary to take on Congress, feels TRS
TRS will hold a public meeting at Bhongir

HYDERABAD: The Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) is contemplating a move to join the Telugu Desam Party and Left alliance in the next elections.

The TRS leadership is reported to have made up its mind in favour of sailing with the TDP-Left combine after considering several issues. The most important consideration are the Congress’ ‘backtracking’ on its promise of carving out separate Telangana and the TDP’s decision to “respect the sentiments of the people of the region.”

The party is likely to make an official announcement to this effect before the month-end.

According to informed sources, the TRS will hold a public meeting at Bhongir in Nalgonda district in February first week, in association with the TDP and the Left parties.

Inviting leaders

It would invite top leaders of the Left parties, AIADMK supremo J. Jayalalithaa and Janata Dal (Secular) chief H.D. Deve Gowda for the meeting.

It was less than a fortnight ago that the TRS had engaged the Praja Rajyam leadership in talks for a possible electoral alliance.

But, it has now come to the conclusion that the Praja Rajyam is unlikely to make any impact in Telangana region where the issues rather than caste considerations would be the deciding factors in the election outcome.

“Given the absence of a structured organisation and lack of clarity among the PR leadership on issues, it is unlikely to make any change in Telangana,” a senior TRS leader said.

Combined strength

The TDP, TRS and the Left alliance was necessary to take on the Congress as the combined strength of alliance partners in the region was much greater than the ruling party.

The TDP, for instance, had a strong presence in districts like Mahabubnagar and Adilabad and the TRS would decide the terms in Medak, Nizamabad and Karimnagar districts while the Left parties’ vote would be decisive in Nalgonda and Khammam districts.

“But for some constituencies in and around the State capital, the Congress will not be able to take on the alliance in other Telangana districts,” a top Telangana Rashtra Samiti leader said.