“There has been a consensus on the alternative national agenda after prolonged discussions with intellectuals, economists and experts from various fields like we did before the start of Telangana movement,” an official release from Rao’s office said.
“Very soon, the formation of a national party and formulation of its policies will take place,” it added.
KCR has shifted his focus on contesting elections in other states, especially Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, besides Delhi.
The TRS chief has told senior leaders to identify potential candidates in these states and field them either in the assembly elections or 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Sources said KCR wants to cash in on Telugu voters in states like Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Delhi and expand his party’s footprint in these states.
For getting the national party status, the TRS has to get at least 6% of valid votes in four or more states in Lok Sabha and state assembly elections.
Once it gets the national party status, it can have its own symbol (car symbol in case of TRS/BRS) which will be allotted to its candidates across the country.
KCR is also believed to be reviving his contacts with senior national leaders like Sharad Yadav. The TRS president is also planning to offer tickets to farmers’ unions leaders, intellectuals, former civil servants and representatives of Dalit associations in UP and Delhi.
Earlier in he day, former Karnataka chief minister Kumaraswamy called on KCR at the latter’s official residence Pragati Bhavan.
The two leaders discussed the development of Telangana, the role of regional parties in national politics, the key role chief minister Rao should play in the national politics in the present situation and other national political issues.
The meeting assumes significance in the wake of Rao’s efforts to bring together like-minded parties ahead of 2024 elections.
The BJP in Telangana has been working aggressively to take on the ruling TRS and the saffron party emerged as a force to reckon with in Hyderabad municipal polls. It also managed to win in two bypolls (including Huzurabad) while the TRS won in the other two. BJP leaders have also been touring Telangana vigorously.
(With agency inputs)
