Chiranjeevi keeps Cong & TDP guessing

NEW DELHI: With the political situation in Andhra Pradesh getting more complex after the TRS��� decision to side with the NDA, TDP and Congress are reworking their post-May 16 strategies. While there is fear in the TRS that its flock could become vulnerable to poaching, the two major contenders have begun wooing Chiranjeevi���s Praja Rajyam Party.

PRP, which is expected to emerge as the kingmaker, is keeping the cards close to its chest. Although TDP has indicated its willingness to tie up with the cine star���s party, the latter is expected to go with the side that can offer a better bargain. Congress has already held preliminary discussion with the PRP leadership.

Congress could be in a position of advantage if its tally crosses the 100 mark in the assembly. The party, which has the assured support of MIM, is hopeful of organising the additional numbers by working on the fear of instability in the minds of the new elected representatives. Sources in Congress claimed that TRS will not remain a cohesive unit after May 16. ���MLAs from PRP could also force its leadership to work with a party that can form a stable government,��� sources said.

TRS leader K Chandasekhara Rao on Tuesday evening met BJP leader Venkaiah Naidu to formalise his party���s ties with the NDA. A formal alliance and the promise of a place at the Centre, he feels, would help him save TRS from poaching after May 16.

The Left parties here are watching the developments in Andhra Pradesh with trepedition. Already, one of the components of the third front, JD(S), is trying to work out a deal with Congress. Former prime minister Deve Gowda���s son HD Kumaraswamy met Congress president Sonia Gandhi in Tuesday to discuss the terms of the political deal between his party and Congress.