When every seat counts, even CPI is centre of attention from TRS, Cong

Moreover, the TRS is keen for an alliance with the CPI because there are at least 10 assembly seats where the Left party may perform well in the coming elections and also to strengthen its position to counter the Telugu Desam Party (TDP). The TRS, which has closed its doors to the Congress, had approached the CPI last week with an offer for alliance.

After TRS’ alliance committee head K Keshava Rao and former MP B Vinod met Narayana and other CPI leaders, a miffed Narayana said the TRS was merely doing a ‘time-pass’ and was not really very forthcoming.

“Last week, I told them that they should consider some of our demands to make an alliance. I requested that once the discussions are over they should say if our demands would be fulfilled or not. But today after the discussions, Rao and Vinod went back saying they would discuss with the party again and then inform me. This is dragging matters unnecessarily and they are just giving statements but doing nothing. The CPI strongly feels that the TRS, the CPI and the Congress will ultimately get together to contest the elections,’’ Narayana said.

As a seat-sharing arrangement, the CPI is demanding 12 assembly constituencies and one LS constituency where it will field its candidates. This same proposal was also put to the Congress which initially did not respond but has now agreed and an announcement is likely shortly.