KCR reaches out to DMK leadership for federal front

Telangana Chief Minister and the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) supremo K. Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) on Sunday reached out to the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leadership in his bid to stitch a federal front for 2019 general elections.

First, KCR visited DMK president M. Karunanidhi at his Gopalapuram residence and sought his blessings. After meeting with Karunanidhi, KCR went to DMK working president M.K. Stalin's residence for a luncheon discussion.

Later addressing a joint press conference, Stalin said, "We had a discussion on politics. KCR spoke on secularism and federal front. There are certain parties in Tamil Nadu which have aligned with us and we will discuss about KCR's ideology with them. After discussing with DMK's high level committee, I will give an answer to KCR."

Stalin added that he had also conveyed his idea to conduct a rally to emphasise on states' authority.

Meanwhile, KCR said that his ongoing effort was not aimed at some kind of a 'third front' and it was not a mere alignment of political parties but "that of the people" of the country.

"This is neither the beginning nor the end. We haven't taken any decision yet. But, across the nation there is a debate on the politics and governance of India," the TRS supremo said.

KCR also informed reporters that he and Stalin spoke to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over phone.

"We are firm on the fact that India should be secular and more powers, like health, education, transport, urban and rural development, should be given to the states and the centre should only worry about external affairs. Countries like Japan that have taken this initiative have gone ahead and so should India. India should liberate its economy," KCR said.

Talking about his meeting with the DMK president, KCR said, "He gave me books and blessings. He represents the Southern India."

KCR said he has invited Stalin to inaugurate Telangana government's Rs 8,000 per acre investment support scheme for farmers.