TDP’s U-turn on Telengana could shatter Congress’ poll hopes in AP

Font Size

Print

Feedback

Email

Discuss

Related Articles

Putin calls Deora a ‘genius’ negotiatorN-deal not to solve energy problems readily: KalamN-deal not to solve energy problems readily: KalamN-deal not to solve energy problems readily: Kalam

Amidst growing pressure for a rethink on its stand on creation of smaller states, Congress’ calculations of emerging as the single largest party in the next Lok Sabha elections is under threat of going awry in the wake of Telegu Desam Party’s decision to reverse its policy on Telengana.

The TDP move to change its 26-year-old stand on Telengana has not only pushed the Congress into a disadvantageous position in the state, but now carries the potential of making a significant dent in its total tally of Lok Sabha seats at the national level. With 31 out of 42 Lok Sabha seats won by the party in the last elections, the Congress currently has the highest number of MPs from the state. The party was able to form the UPA after wining 151 seats in the last Lok Sabha, compared to 138 by the BJP.

Congress leaders on Friday dubbed the TDP U turn as a political stunt, but informally conceded that the step had put the party at a distinct disadvantage. ‘‘The party will have to take a stand either way, otherwise we will end up with nothing’’ a senior Congress leader said. Another senior minister pointed out that the Congress had won the second highest number of seats from Telengana region, which has 17 Lok Sabha constituencies, in the last elections. ‘‘The best we did was in Rayalseema region (which has eight Lok Sabha seats) while we did put up a good performance in coastal Andhra region (with another 17 seats)’’ he maintained.

There is a growing fear now that if the opposition parties get together and make handsome gains on the Telengana platform, the Congress could face a tough time in making up for the lost seats in Andhra Pradesh. The TDP decision is expected to pave the way for an alliance with the Telengana Rashtra Samithi. The CPI-M, another staunch opposer of smaller states, too is set to join hands with them although it is yet to state clearly if it supports creation of Telengana state. The TDP, which had vociferously opposed creation of Telengana, was forced to change its stand in the wake a large number of his party leaders exiting to join Chiranjeevi’s new party Praja Rajyam.