Hyderabad: Opposition parties have a common agenda at national level — to defeat the BJP in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections — but they do not have a common candidate for the post of the PM.
The regional parties, which are playing a key role in defeating the BJP, have their own choice for PM candidate and there is no unanimity on this issue. DMK chief M.K. Stalin supports Congress’s Rahul Gandhi, while former Prime Minister and JD(S) chief H.D. Deve Gouda and Karnataka CM Kumaraswamy support West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said a few days ago that he will support BSP chief Mayawati for the PM’s post at the right time. In his latest statement, Mr Akhilesh Yadav said the decision would be taken later over the PM candidate of the grand alliance, however, he added that he would like to see a PM from his own state, Uttar Pradesh.
The Majlis Ittihadul Muslimeen, which is against both BJP and Congress, has suggested the name of Telangana state Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao. MIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi said two days ago that Mr Rao should become the PM.
The TRS will take its decision depending on the political situation after the Lok Sabha elections. AP Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu is likely to support Rahul Gandhi but would be open to someone else if special status to AP is assured.
