Cong downplays TRS snub against electoral truck in polls

Congress today tried to put on a brave face in the wake of K Chandrasekhar Rao-led TRS categorically ruling out any alliance with the national party for upcoming Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, saying it will go solo in Telangana.

Downplaying the development, Telangana Congress Committee president Ponnala Lakshmaiah said his party never proposed either merger or alliance with the TRS. It was the TRS that constituted a committee to look into electoral alliances. We said we will consider any proposal (for alliance) if it is made. We have not received any proposals. You have to ask them (TRS) if there is (still) scope for considering any such proposal, Lakshmaiah told reporters when asked about the TRS move.

He pointed out that TRS itself had promised to merge the party with the Congress once Telangana state was created. We have never proposed or invited them to merge their party or forge an alliance. They themselves are proposing and going back on their word, Lakshmaiah added. He said Congress was strong in Telangana and would contest all seats on its own in the ensuing elections to Lok Sabha and state Assembly.

In a severe setback to Congress in Telangana today, TRS dashed its hopes of an alliance for the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in the region. Addressing party workers at Telangana Bhavan here, TRS president K Chandrasekhar Rao said, There will not be any electoral alliance with Congress. Let's see from tomorrow if TRS MLAs will join the Congress or the reverse will happen.

KCR's remarks appear significant amidst indication that two former women ministers were all set to quit the Congress and join the TRS in a day or two.