Telangana Elections: TDP all set to hold crucial meet to discuss possible alliance after dissolution of the State Assembly

After the ruling TRS opted for a dissolution of the State Assembly at a meeting of the State Cabinet headed by CM K Chandrasekar Rao, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) is all set to hold a crucial meet in NTR Bhavan at 2:30 pm on Saturday to discuss a possible alliance. There are speculations that TDP will merge with Congress party to take on the might of KCR’s Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) in the elections likely to be held by the end of this year. However, the final call of the party will be taken by the CM Chandrababu Naidu.

Read: KCR's Big Political Gambit: Telangana's Assembly Likely To Be Dissolved Paving The Way For Early Polls, The Chief Minister's Lucky Number '6' Notwithstanding

Earlier on Friday, Chief Election Commissioner OP Rawat made it clear that the dates for election in Telangana, following the dissolution of the state assembly, will not be announced as per the convenience of any party. On September 6, the first Chief Minister of Telangana state, KCR, offered his resignation to the Governor, announcing that he wants an early election in the state. 

Members of KCR's party met with EC chief in Delhi, claiming they want the elections to take place before the end of this year. But the EC has confirmed that no such demand shall be considered.

Speaking exclusively to Republic TV, Rawat said, "Election Commission got to know about the dissolution yesterday (Thursday) evening when our CEO informed about the notification. We will not go by astrological prediction or any assertion by any political party. We are not going to take into account any of those things.

He further added, "We will keep in mind honorable Supreme Court's ruling in special reference No.1 of 2002, where the SC had said that in the name of six months, the election should not be delayed to give an opportunity for a caretaker govt to continue ruling without being held accountable by the representative house. There was no formal notification, but some officials like Chief Secretary and ex-Chief Secretary of Telangana, they had come to Delhi", he added. 

Read: Blow To KCR? 'Won't Take Party Assertions Or Astrological Predictions In Setting Telangana Election Date', Says Chief Election Commissioner

WHY KCR WANTS EARLY POLLS

KCR is insistent on early polls for a number of reasons, all of which fall under the larger umbrella of 'favorable conditions'. These reasons include the monsoons and the prevailing political narrative. An internal survey of the TRS party also concurred withholding early elections.

The Chief Minister and his party have been laying the groundwork for the advancement of elections for the last few months. KCR has been to the national capital a number of times, meeting the Prime Minister twice, while his son KTR has also been coordinating in New Delhi to ensure there's no hitch in the party's plans. Earlier KCR had been a big proponent of simultaneous elections (including over One Nation-One Poll), but appears to have since changed his mind, at least for this particular election.