Regional parties decide to flag off third front ahead of 2009 polls

By Staff
|
Google Oneindia News

Hyderabad, June 6 (UNI) Leaders of eight like-minded regional parties today came together on a common platform and decided in principle to launch a third front as an alternative to the Congress-led UPA and the BJP-headed NDA in the 2009 General elections. Leaders of the parties also held inconclusive talks on the upcoming President poll.

The leaders will meet again shortly in Chennai to give a concrete shape to the third front, which will be on the lines of the United Front.

Addressing a press conference after the meeting, former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and AIADMK leader J Jayalalitha expressed confidence that more parties would be attending the meeting in Chennai.

Besides Dr Jayalalitha, those who attended the meeting included: former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav, Samajwadi Party leaders Amar Singh and S Bangarappa, Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) leader Brindavan Goswami, Jharkhand Vikas Morcha leader Babulal Marandi, Indian National Lok Dal chief Om Prakash Chauthala, MDMK leader Vaiko and Telugu Desam chief N Chandrababu Naidu. The eighth ally--Kerala Congress leader Thomas--sent a fax message lending his party's support to the concept of a third front.

Asserting that regional parties had come to stay in national politics, Mr Naidu said the formation of a Government at the Centre would not not be possible without the support of regional parties.

Regional parties strengthen democracy and federalism in the country, Mr Vaiko added.

Dismissing as 'media speculation' reports that they might support Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekawat if he stood as an Independent candidate in the Presidential election, Mr Naidu said ''It is wrong to speculate names for the August office''.

Only after the notification for the election was issued could they take a decision in the matter, Mr Chautala said.

MORE UNI

For Daily Alerts
Get Instant News Updates
Enable
x
Notification Settings X
Time Settings
Done
Clear Notification X
Do you want to clear all the notifications from your inbox?
Settings X
X