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EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE
HYDERABAD, AUG 8: In a development that has put a question mark on the proposed alliance between the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the state unit of the BJP today urged the party's central leadership to allow it to contest the ensuing elections ``on its own'' in Andhra Pradesh.
A resolution to this effect was adopted at the meeting of the state office bearers here today.
The decision is being viewed by political circles in two ways: one, it would act as a pressure tactic to make the Telugu Desam concede more seats in the event of an alliance and two, the resolution has reinforced the stand of the state unit, which was against a tie-up with the ruling party.
While the BJP holds the view that it should be allotted at least 12 Lok Sabha and 60 Assembly seats, the Telugu Desam is reportedly not prepared to give away more than eight LS and around 25-30 Assembly constituencies.Right from the time the alliance proposal was put forth, the state BJP leaders have been trying toemphasise the point that the party was capable of fighting the elections on its own but would agree for a tie-up if the central leadership so desired.
Though no formal talks have taken place so far between the two parties, Chief Minister and TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu was in touch with the BJP central leadership.
Releasing a copy of the resolution at a press conference, BJP state president Vidyasagar Rao said that the decision was taken unanimously after considering the latest political situation.
The resolution reads as follows: ``The office bearers have undertaken an analysis of both Lok Sabha and Assembly constituencies in all districts. They have arrived at the view that by contesting the elections on their own, the party would win a substantial number of Assembly seats and considerably improve the tally in Lok Sabha. The state office bearers have, therefore, unanimously resolved to request the central party to permit the state unit to contest the elections independently.''
During themeeting, almost all leaders reportedly expressed the opinion that the BJP had nothing to lose. The dominant view was that Kargil and Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee's leadership would generate support from all corners and throw up an opportunity for the party to further consolidate its base.
The State unit will send to the party's national election committee a list of candidates for all the 294 assembly constituencies tomorrow. The election manifesto too would be released in a few days, he said.
Copyright © 1999 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
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