Left alone, CPM likely to take on Cong in AP

The Left-Congress-TRS alliance in Andhra Pradesh was being seen as crucial to take on the TDP-BJP combine, especially for the Assembly polls. The Left might be putting up candidates to pressure the Congress to hitch a last-minute deal. ‘‘We want to minimise the conflict to avoid division of the secular anti-BJP/TDP votes. But we will take our own decision and put up candidates wherever we have a presence,’’ Karat said.

The CPI(M)’s Andhra unit will take a decision on on March 15. However, the CPI is still hopeful that an ‘‘understanding’’ can be evolved in Andhra at least.

Meanwhile, the Left Parties have been sticking it out with the war of nerves with RJD chief Laloo Prasad Yadav for seats in Bihar. ‘‘We told the Congress and the Lok Janashakti Party that we will wait till March 15. He may be playing hard to get but we will announce our candidates after March 15,’’ CPI general secretary A.B. Bardhan said. The CPI(M) might not wait that long. ‘‘Our state party is meeting tomorrow and they will take a final decision,’’ Karat said.