BJP-TDP alliance talks hit roadblock

Hyderabad, March 22 (IANS) Talks between the TDP and the BJP for a poll alliance in Andhra Pradesh are understood to have hit a fresh roadblock.

The two parties, who were earlier believed to be on the verge of reaching an understanding, Saturday resumed talks to iron out the differences over seat-sharing.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Prakash Javadekar, who is camping in the state for three days, cancelled his scheduled press conference in the evening amid reports that the two parties failed to make any headway.

Javadekar resumed talks with Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader Sujana Chowdary here to reach an understanding for the ensuing elections to state assembly and Lok Sabha.

The talks resumed after he returned from Vijayawada, where he consulted BJP leaders from Seemandhra.

Javadekar, who is incharge of BJP affairs in the state, had held preliminary talks with TDP leadership during his secret visit to Hyderabad last week.

According to sources in TDP, the BJP's demand for a higher number of seats in Telangana is proving a hurdle in making the headway.

The central leadership of the BJP is under pressure from the Telangana leaders not to agree to a lesser share in the region as TDP has weakened after separate statehood to the region.

A section of BJP leaders had initially opposed tie-up with the TDP in the region on the ground that the latter is perceived as anti-Telangana party but reconciled after the central leadership made it clear that it is for an alliance with the regional party.

The BJP has reportedly sought 60 out of 119 assembly seats and nine out of 17 Lok Sabha seats in Telangana. It is ready to accept a lesser number in Seemandhra or residuary Andhra Pradesh, which has 175 assembly and 25 Lok Sabha seats.