AP, Karnataka CMs aim to strengthen regional parties

Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka chief ministers N Chandrababu Naidu and HD Kumaraswamy announced on Friday that they are working to create a common ground for all regional parties to come together against the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA). After a meeting that lasted for about 40 minutes here on Friday, Karnataka chief minister H D Kumaraswamy said the agenda now is not to discuss about who will be the next prime minister but to build a strong alternative to defeat the NDA.
The Karnataka Chief Minister Kumaraswamy visited Vijayawada along with his family members on a personal trip on Friday and offered prayers to Goddess Kanaka Durga at Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy devastanam atop Indrakeeladri.
Kumaraswamy was all praise for Naidu and said he prayed to Goddess Kanaka Durga for the well being of all and the prosperity of Andhra Pradesh. He said Naidu has put the state on a growth path even without the existence of a capital city. Kumarswamy said he shares a brotherly relation with Naidu. ‘Around 17 regional parties are willing to work on a common ground to defeat the NDA.
“The country should be saved from the NDA and that everyone should come together to change the present system,” he said. Replying to a question on the third front having become a myth, he said it is the BJP which will become a myth soon. Naidu said he discussed a few issues with Kumaraswamy regarding the unity of regional parties. ‘This was only a short discussion with the Karnataka chief minister. We will sit for more discussions in the future to build a strong alliance to defeat the NDA,” he saidAP Ministers Devineni Umamaheswara Rao, Prattipati Pulla Rao, MLA GV Anjaneyulu and TDP leader Raghurama Krishnam Raju were among those who accompanied Kumaraswamy to the Kanaka Durga temple.