Regional parties conclave begins

Hyderabad, Jun 6 (UNI) The meeting of seven regional parties hosted by Telugu Desam Party President N Chandrababu Naidu to decide on the presidential elections, among other things, began here today.

AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa, Samajwadi Party leaders Mulayam Singh Yadav, Amar Singh and S Bangarappa, MDMK leader Vaiko and Indian National Lok Dal leader Om Prakash Chautala were among those, attending the meeting.

Jharkhand Vikas Morcha leader Babulal Marandi and Asom Gana Parishad President Brindawan Goswami were also attending the conclave.

Kerala Congress leader P C Thomas, who could not attend the meet, faxed a letter to Mr Naidu, expressing solidarity with these parties, TDP sources said.

The meet aimed at evolving an alternative to the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance(UPA) and the opposition BJP-led National Democratic Alliance.

The conclave would explore options, including abstaining from voting during the presidential elections, as these parties do not have the requisite numbers to field their own candidate.

UNI