Akhilesh meets CM KCR, discusses new front

Hyderabad : Former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav called on Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao at Pragathi Bhavan on Wednesday and had a detailed discussion on the proposed new front.
 
"We are in touch since a long time and exchanging our views. We had a detailed discussion on various things on how to forge ahead and how to carry forward the whole mission. There should be a qualitative change in the Indian political system and also in the process of governance. Seven decades have gone and people's desires and aspirations are not fulfilled as they were supposed to be. Of course we are considered a growing economy, but it is not on the desired lines," said KCR while addressing a press conference along with Akhilesh Yadav.
 
KCR said people were disappointed with previous regimes. "Farmers, poor and Dalits are not happy. Minorities are not feeling secure. Therefore, we are trying to explore new alternative as a change is required," he said adding that he was not trying to form a new political front, but triggering a new revolution. He said when neighbouring countries like China could grow economically, why India remained behind in many aspects. He claimed that Akhilesh Yadav supported his views and agreed to stand by his ideology.
 
Speaking to media persons, Akhilesh Yadav claimed that only regional parties could stop BJP. He said that list of promises made by the BJP which remained unfilled was too long and the government has little time left to act on them. He praised KCR for making an attempt to unite regional parties. He endorsed KCR's views that previous regimes have disappointed people. He also praised KCR for implementing various welfare schemes for farmers and poor and said that the Chief Minister has won the trust of people with his work.
 
He said the results of recent by-elections in UP where BJP lost two seats was a clear indication that people were looking at new options. He said there would be more meetings and discussions before arriving at a conclusion. He hinted out that efforts would be made to rope in some NDA allies in the new front. "So far, we met only 10 people. NDA is a coalition of about 45 parties. Therefore, we have lot many people are to be approached," he said.
 
While Akhilesh Yadav evaded a direct reply to a question wherein he was asked about his friendship with Congress president Rahul Gandhi. Interestingly, KCR answered the question and hit out at Rahul Gandhi indirectly. "When we are saying previous regimes failed to deliver, everyone knows who were in power in the past," he said. KCR said that his efforts were not election bound or confined to 2019 polls. He announced that he would visit Delhi soon to meet other parties and leaders. "The driving force of our alliance will be our agenda. We don't declare anyone as untouchable. Our aim is to ensure that the country move forward," he said adding that it could take about two months to arrive at a consensus and finalise an agenda.