Presidential poll: TDP discusses issue, defers decision on support

HYDERABAD: The Telugu Desam Party has said it would take a decision on whom to support in the July 19 Presidential election after consulting other parties.

The regional party's highest decision-making body, Politburo, which met here today under the chairmanship of its chief N Chandrababu Naidu, discussed the Presidential election issue but did not come to any conclusion on its support.

"We have decided to take a final decision after discussing the issue with other political parties," TDP Parliamentary Party leader Nama Nageswara Rao told reporters after the meeting.

The Politburo also discussed the latest political developments in the country, he added.

A preliminary review on the outcome of the just-ended by-elections in Andhra Pradesh, where Jaganmohan Reddy-led YSR Congress registered an impressive win and TDP drew a blank, was also undertaken.

"The hype over the arrest of (Kadapa MP) Jagan (in assets case) generated sympathy and led to YSRC's victory in the by-elections. We, however, succeeded in exposing the corrupt deeds of Congress government as well as of Jagan," TDP Politburo member Yanamala Ramakrishnudu said.

The arrest of Jagan when the by-election process was on and the statements of Union Minister Vayalar Ravi helped YSRC directly or indirectly to gain sympathy, he claimed.

"We will review the results constituency-wise in detail from June 18 and discuss them in our general body and Politburo. We will then take necessary political policy decisions," Ramakrishnudu added.