Jai Samaikyandhra Party partners with CPI(M) for May 7 polls in Andhra Pradesh

HYDERABAD: The Jai Samaikyandhra Party (JSP) of former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy has tied up with CPI(M) for the May 7 elections in Andhra Pradesh.

As per the understanding between the two, the JSP will support CPI(M) in 18 assembly and two Lok Sabha constituencies in coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema regions where the latter is in the fray, while the Left party will back the JSP in other places.

"The CPI(M) had always taken a clear stance against the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh. It is also in favour of an amendment to Article 3 of the Constitution that vests the power of dividing a state with the Centre. Hence we have decided to join hands with the CPI(M)," JSP president Kiran Kumar told a press conference here this evening.

"We are ready to work with any party that is opposed to the Congress and the BJP. As the JSP also stood for the cause of a united Andhra Pradesh, we have decided to work together," CPI(M) Andhra Pradesh unit secretary P Madhu said.

Kiran and Madhu recalled that all parties had given letters favouring bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh. The Centre went ahead with the bifurcation process even after the Andhra Pradesh assembly rejected the move and the issue is pending before the Supreme Court even now.

Kiran said that the Third Front was becoming stronger at the Centre now, though he ruled out aligning with the CPI, because it had supported the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh. The JSP would also support the CPI(M) in Telangana where it is contesting the April 30 election.