TJS likely to tilt towards BJP

​Hyderabad: Is TJS unhappy with the way it is being treated during Mahakutami discussions? Is the new political outfit in state politics unhappy over leaks in media that it would be given two to three seats as part of Mahakutami?

If fresh statement of TJS chief Prof Kodandaram is any indication, TJS expressed its strong displeasure before Congress for trying to belittle its image and strength on seat sharing. It remains to be seen whether recent developments prompt TJS to look for an alternative alliance option in BJP, which is very keen to work jointly with Prof Kodandaram in forthcoming elections.

Already saffron party leaders have called on TJS chief on a few occasions earlier to convince him, but the latter is yet to spell out party stand clear. Kodandaram in a Facebook interaction with public on Friday stated that there was no question of TJS contesting two or three seats as being highlighted in some media. He said that they want a respectable number to contest in elections. This has been conveyed to national party to put a full stop once and for all about speculations of accepting two or three seats.

He reacted sharply to comments by national party leaders in internal discussions that TJS presence was limited or negligible in some districts. “The power of a silent lake is not know until its bund breaches during heavy rain. The taste of a curry or recipe is useless if a pinch of salt or chilli is missing. TJS cannot be taken for granted as it has support of people,” he said.

A TJS leader said, who did not wish to be named, said that they put forward a proposal for 30 plus seats during Mahakutami talks. Taking consideration for other parties that are part of alliance discussions, TJS would be okay with round about 20 seats and it would be a respectable figure, he said.

The TJS leader sought to know whether Congress thinks Kodandaram image and support of people for TJS was lesser than that of T TDP, which has become weaker and weaker in Telangana in the last four years. It is in this backdrop speculations are abuzz in political circles whether TJS will tilt towards BJP.

A senior BJP leader agreed that saffron party was keen on inking pact with TJS for elections, but he expressed doubts whether Kodandaram party that has many leftists on board would accept the invitation due to ideological differences. It is true that Kodandaram and BJP top brass were closely involved in Telangana statehood movement, but it remains to be seen whether that association is renewed again, he said.

There is talk in some sections that BJP’s interest towards TJS was to hit chances of Congress getting stronger in Telangana. Congress is the number one opponent for BJP and it cannot afford Congress getting stronger in Telangana, which might also impact Lok Sabha elections slated for next summer. Hence the move to hit Congress by snatching TJS from alliance, the BJP leader said.