BJP-TDP talks continue for poll alliance

Talks between the TDP and the BJP for a poll alliance in Andhra Pradesh continued Tuesday amid indications that they are close to a deal.

Leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)and the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) were holding final round of talks in the national capital at the residence of Akali Dal MP Naresh Gujral.

According to BJP sources in Hyderabad, senior BJP leader Arun Jaitley joined the talks Tuesday evening. The two sides are reportedly trying to overcome some irritants in the seat sharing.

Gujral, who is BJP's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi's chief negotiator for alliance building, is said to be making intense efforts for an early deal.

The two parties could not reach an understanding despite several round of talks and three visits to Andhra Pradesh by BJP leader Prakash Javadekar, who also met TDP chief N. Chandrababu Naidu last week.

The talks hit a roadblock few days ago as TDP termed as "unfair" the BJP's demand for majority of assembly and Lok Sabha seats in Telangana. BJP leaders in Telangana had also threatened to go alone.

However, the reported intervention by top BJP leadership led to resumption of the talks.

BJP sources said the two parties were now close to signing a deal. The TDP has reportedly agreed to leave 45 assembly and eight Lok Sabha seats in Telangana and 13 assembly and five Lok Sabha seats in Seemandhra.

Telangana has 119 assembly and 17 Lok Sabha seats while Seemandhra has 175 assembly and 25 Lok Sabha seats.

BJP was earlier demanding 60 assembly and nine Lok Sabha seats in Telangana.

The elections in Telangana are scheduled on April 30 while Seemandhra will go to polls on May 7.