KT Rama Rao, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy strike a Federal Front deal

The first official meeting of TRS working president K T Rama Rao with Y S Jaganmohan Reddy in Hyderabad has led to speculation that it has opened up doors for KCR to offer his “return gift” to TDP chief Nara Chandrababu Naidu in the ensuing general elections. KCR declared his open support to Jagan following the campaign of Naidu in the Telangana Assembly elections. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi also said that he will be campaigning in support of YSRCP to defeat the TDP.

This meeting drew great attention as it is being seen as amped up efforts of KCR towards a Federal Front for the national polls due by May. Though on record, both Jagan, KTR and TRS MP Sitaram Naik emphasised that the talks centred round the issue of proposed Federal Front and not about elections in Andhra Pradesh, it is believed that both the leaders have discussed about the possibility of working together in Andhra Pradesh to defeat a common enemy - Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and his Telugu Desam Party (TDP).

This meeting also assumes importance since it is taking place soon after Jagan completed his 3,650 km walkathon. Jagan has gone on record saying that he looks upon KCR and his party as “great friends” of Andhra Pradesh. Jagan said KCR and his daughter Kavitha had



also supported Special Category Status for Andhra Pradesh and if YSRCP could win 25 seats in Andhra Pradesh, with the help of 17 MPs from Telangana they would be able to get the Centre listen to them.

Keeping his decision of joining the Federal Front in reserve, Jagan welcomed the efforts to unite the regional parties by KCR. Jagan said that he will discuss with party leaders about the issues that have come up in the meeting. He is also said to have asked them to closely monitor the reactions in Andhra Pradesh particularly in the wake of adverse comments going viral in social media.

Talking to media, KTR categorically stated that KCR will personally meet Jagan in Andhra Pradesh either during last week of January or first week of February and will further dwell upon the subject. He said Jagan wanted that KCR should write a letter to centre recommending special category status to AP and KCR may announce his decision to write letter during his meeting with Jagan. 

Terming the meeting as preparatory for the crucial meeting of Jagan with KCR, the TRS working president said that the party is not against the Centre granting Special Category Status (SCS) to Andhra Pradesh.