Cong’s new ploy to put TDP, YSRCP in a bind ?

Though the Centre has constituted GoM and sought online opinions from all sections, the political parties have refused to submit views saying that it amounts to insulting them.

Indicating that the Centre meant business and would ensure complete the process of bifurcation of the State soon, the Union Home Ministry has sent a letter to all political parties to “specifically” state their opinion on the issues listed in the terms of reference of the GoM.

Political circles here feel that this is a strategic move on the part of Congress to make all the main parties to commit in black and white on issues like boundaries, legal and administrative measures for smooth functioning of both the governments after division of the state, sharing of water resources, power, etc. This move is also intended at putting the TDP and YSRCP in a fix.

It may be mentioned that the major parties like the TDP had demanded that the Centre should first address the issues raised by the Seemandhra people and explain what kind of justice it would do before going ahead with the process of bifurcation.

Though the Centre had constituted GoM, and sought online opinions from all sections the political parties here refused to do so saying that it amounts to insulting the parties. TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu said that the GoM should call the political parties and seek their opinion on what kind of justice they want. A personal explanation would ensure better bonding and would give chance to both sides to seek and give clarifications.

The YSRCP also took objection to sending opinion online and decided to boycott it. In view of this, Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde on Wednesday announced that he would convene an all-party meeting. But following a meeting with the President of India on Thursday, he said the ministry would first seek the views of all parties on the terms of reference of GoM.

This move has been welcomed by the Congress and BJP. BJP is ready with its wish-list for both the regions. But the TDP and YSRCP find themselves in a fix.

Telangana TDP leaders led by E Dayakar Rao have been holding informal meetings and feel that it would be better if the party boycotts the proposed all-party meeting. He feels that it is a ploy to help Jagan emerge as champion of United Andhra and thereby help YSRCP get political mileage.

But Somireddy Chandramohan Reddy told The Hans India that since the Union Home Ministry had invited them, they should send the comments and attend the meeting. If they boycott, it would give more ammunition to Congress to attack the TDP saying that it was irresponsible and that was opposed to bifurcation. Similar views were expressed by Y Ramakrishnudu as well. However, the party president N Chandrababu Naidu would be meeting leaders from both the regions on Friday to take a final decision on the issue.

The YSRCP appears to be considering the option of refusing to send the views sought by the Union Home Ministry and to boycott the meeting. Instead, the YSRCP president Y S Jaganmohan Reddy has sought an appointment from Prime Minister. He proposes to seek all-out help for the farmers affected by floods and would use the opportunity to explain to him about the need to keep the State united, party sources said.