Seat-sharing among parties to be finalised on Nov 9:Cong

Congress and other parties of the proposed "grand alliance" for December 7 Assembly elections in Telangana held talks Monday on seat-sharing amid demands from the CPI and TJS for an appropriate share.

Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president N Uttam Kumar Reddy and leaders of other parties held talks and the talks would continue, party sources said.

Reddy told reporters that he would go to Delhi tomorrow as part of his party's consultation process on finalising the candidates.

The proposed alliance comprises Congress, TDP, CPI and Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS).

AICC incharge of party affairs in Telangana RC Khuntia said seat-sharing among the parties would be finalised by November 9.

"Talks are on with all. It has nearly concluded. You will come to know by (November) 9th. There is no problem in seat sharing of the alliance," he said.

"Talks are on with the TJS, TDP, CPI. You will come to know by (November) 9th. All the lists also will be released," he said.

Khuntia was replying to a query about seat-sharing among "grand alliance" partners and the TJS reportedly seeking more seats than what was offered.

The Gazette notification for the polls will be issued on November 12 and the last date of nominations is November 19, according to the schedule released by the Election Commission.

There are a total of 119 assembly seats in Telangana.

The TDP, TJS and CPI are reportedly seeking 18, 14, and at least five seats respectively.

Meanwhile, the TJS expressed confidence that the "grand alliance" would be in place by Diwali on November 7.

"(We) believe that the alliance would be in place by Diwali (November 7)," TJS president M Kodandaram told reporters.

He said talks would continue with Congress leaders.

The TJS leader said there has been a one month delay in finalising the alliance, which had 'disapppointed' several people's organisations, keen on taking up the campaign.

CPI, meanwhile, announced names of nine assembly segments where it wants to contest.

CPI state secretary Chada Venkata Reddy, who made the announcement said his party wants the alliance to be strengthened.

He said his party was ready to reduce the number of seats in a spirit of mutual understanding.

CPI had earlier expressed dissatisfaction over alleged leaks to media that it would be given two-three seats in seat-sharing.