The proposed seat sharing exercise between TDP and BJP is still going through twists and turns.
With both the parties refusing to get off their high horses over their preferred seats, an understanding between them is still hanging fire.
Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada and Rajahmundry Lok Sabha seats in Seemandhra, and Malkajgiri, Chevella and Mahbubnagar in Telangana are said to have become the bone of contention between the two parties.
Though both the parties have arrived at a broad agreement on seat-sharing, with the two sides not ready to give up these Lok Sabha seats the talks are not making much progress.
With time running out as nominations have alrady opened in Telangana, the two sides are adopting various tactics to force the other to give up the seats.
BJP spokesperson Prakash Javdeker and Rajya Sabha member Naresh Gujral, who are negotiating on behalf of the saffron party, were able to convince the TDP to accept most of their demands, but not on these seats.
Meanwhile, the TDP has agreed to give Tirupati and Rajampet Lok Sabha seats to BJP.
With TDP politburo meeting scheduled for Thursday, it is expected that an announcement will be made after that. According to source, Javadekar will be flying in to make the official announcement. Party sources say the BJP has agreed to give up Malkajgiri and Chevella Lok Sabha seats.
“As far as seat-sharing in Telangana is considered the deal has been finalised. We are waiting for settlement in Seemandhra. We are hopeful that our leaders will be able to clinch the deal,” said a senior BJP leader.
The Lok Sabha seats to be allotted to BJP in Telangana are: Secunderabad, Hyderabad, Mahbubnagar, Medak, Nizamabad, Bhongir, Karimnagar and a reserved seat--either Warangal or Mahabubabad. In Seemandhra, the BJP is keen on Tirupati, Visakhapatnam, Narsapur/Kakinada, Rajahmundry, Hindupur and Vijayawada Lok Sabha seats.
Earlier, Prakash Javdeker told reporters in Delhi that talks of a possible alliance between BJP-TDP are still going on. “Tie-up between two parties is similar to planning a wedding. If both the sides agree, then wedding will take place. Otherwise, it will not,” he remarked.
He said he cannot say when the final outcome on alliance will be revealed. “We will let you know when things happen,” he said.
TDP has agreed to allot BJP eight Lok Sabha seats and 45 to 50 Assembly seats in Telangana. In Seemandhra, the BJP leaders are insisting on six Lok Sabha and about 18 to 20 Assembly seats.
BJP’s Telangana unit president G Kishan Reddy had even suggested to his party high command to have an electoral alliance with Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS), which is claiming credit for achieving Telangana state formation and tipped to form government in the new state by winning majority seats in the ensuing elections.
However, BJP national leaders, including Arun Jaitley, are said to have ruled out any poll tie-up with TRS, as they see a pact with N Chandrababu Naidu-headed TDP more beneficial in AP.
According to sources, TRS leader and former MP B Vinod Kumar is trying to make the BJP agree to seat-sharing with TRS. But the BJP has so far not yet conveyed its mind to the TRS.
COng TICKETS FOR 2ND-RUNG LEADERS
AICC leadership will begin the exercise of preparing party candidates’ list for Seemandhra on Thursday. This was disclosed by AICC point man Digvijaya Singh. APCC chief N Raghuveera Reddy on Wednesday left Hyderabad for Delhi to take part in the selection process. Before taking the Delhi flight, Raghuveera Reddy said though several old-timers had deserted Congress in Seemandhra, the grand-old party would bounce back in the ensuing general polls by fielding second-rung leaders. “We will allot nominations to youngsters, educated persons and sincere workers,” he said.