CPI strikes understanding with CPM, TRS for polls: Sources

Hyderabad, Oct 27 (UNI) Reaching an ''in principle'' understanding with the CPI (M) and the TRS ahead of the elections to the Lok Sabha and the state Assembly, the CPI has decided to move in unison and forge a grand alliance, bringing together major opposition parties to oust the ''anti-people'' Congress from power both at the Centre and in Andhra Pradesh.

''Secular parties like the Telugu Desam Party and the newly-floated Praja Rajyam Party are potential allies,'' CPI sources here said.

Maintaining that the CPI was in ''no hurry'' to finalise poll pacts, they said the party was exploring all options to put in place a formidable alliance.

''We will wait for issue of notification for the elections to Lok Sabha and the state Assembly,'' the sources added.

''We are assessing the relative strengths of the main opposition TDP, which had been closely trailing the ruling Congress in the May byelections in Telangana and the fledgling party of actor-turned-politician Chiranjeevi,'' they added.

The CPI had held one round of talks with the CPI(M) and both the parties had separately held talks with the TRS too, the sources pointed out, adding that the party had also held preliminary level talks with the Praja Rajyam Party.

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