The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leadership’s dilemma over parting with seats in South Telangana where it has a strong cadre and organisational strength is holding back sealing the electoral alliance deal with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
A senior leader of the party, who participated in the politburo meeting held to discuss the tie-up issue on Thursday, told The Hindu that the party had no qualms in giving away seats in North Telangana where the movement for statehood was strong. “More or less, unanimity has been achieved in the party on the number of seats – eight Parliament and 35 to 45 Assembly – to be given to BJP. But the problem is on the seats itself”, the TDP leader said.
In case of Seemandhra, the party leadership had clarity on giving away five Parliament and 15 Assembly seats to BJP and no further concessions would be allowed there. “Our leadership is trying to explain the BJP counterparts that it will be a loss to both parties if BJP asks seats where TDP is strong as it will only help the rival party to gain the seat”, sources stated.
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Finalisation of candidates in Telangana was also held back due to the delay in clinching the tie-up with BJP. It was yet to be taken up in case of Seemandhra, the sources said.