KCR, Mamata call for a federal front to bring about political change

Kolkata/Hyderabad: In his first move towards evolving a federal front with people’s agenda as its fulcrum, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao explored the possible contours of the new formation with his West Bengal counterpart Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata on Monday.

KCR, who wants to assemble the front with parties of similar wavelength, as an alternative to the BJP and the Congress ahead of 2019 elections, had “fruitful” discussion with Mamata Banerjee for over two hours. In the meeting, the TRS supremo explained his idea of the front and the reforms that are required not only in governance but also in addressing various problems that the people in all regions of the country face. 

The discussion centres around a revamp of the Centre-state relations so that the states would have more freedom in pursuing people-centric policies which include hiking, if necessary, reservations to the people of various castes, without the Centre having a say on it.

The Telangana Chief Minister is understood to have told her the scope of emerging the front with the support of all regional parties in all states. He asserted that the front will have a collective leadership.  Speaking to newsmen at Kolkata after the meeting, KCR said the front’s agenda was different from the traditional stereotypes that the BJP and Congress come up with. People’s agenda will be the cornerstone of the front. 

"Our agenda is development and it is for the people of the country. It is not about the Congress or the BJP or any other party, it is about the people. The idea of this new front has taken birth in this city of Kolkata. For the last 71 years, you have been seeing what was happening to the country. Do you want the status quo to continue? The country needs a total makeover. People are looking for a change. They want to rediscover the country." 

The Telangana leader said: “Mamata is a very senior leader of the country and she's vast experience in politics. I have visited Kolkata some 13-14 years ago and today, I am very happy looking at the city as there is development all around.”

Sources said the two CMs talked about the formation of federal front in India ahead of 2019 polls, with a view to form the government at the Centre without Congress and BJP. The West Bengal CM said: “We have started the dialogue and there are several others to come. We discussed various issues like farmers, development and all people-related programmes. Our initiative may take time to gain currency, but we are not in a hurry.”  

She also said, “Sometimes, in politics, situations force leaders to come together to work. We have a good relationship with the TRS and we will continue it."  TRS secretary-general and MP K Keshava Rao and Nizamabad MP K Kavitha accompanied KCR during his one-day Bengal visit.