Naidu, YSR to visit Delhi

In the event of a TDP ouster, Naidu will discuss his participation in national politics while YSR is slated to meet Congress leaders.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Congress leader YS Rajasekhara Reddy, who could succeed him if his party wins assembly elections, will visit New Delhi next week.

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Naidu, who is also president of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), will meet Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee and his deputy LK Advani on May 2.

Rajasekhara Reddy will call on Congress president Sonia Gandhi and other central leaders on May 5.

Naidu's meetings with the two BJP leaders assume significance in view of the exit polls indicating a change of government in Andhra Pradesh, which the TDP has ruled for the past nine years.

Naidu, whose party had been supporting Vajpayee's BJP-led government since 1998, is likely to discuss with them his future options in case the TDP fails to retain power in the state.

Worried over the exit polls, the BJP leaders spoke to Naidu over telephone on April 27.

Since both Vajpayee and Advani had been urging the TDP to join the coalition government in New Delhi, the issue may come up for discussion.

Rajasekhara Reddy, who played a key role in reviving the fortunes of the Congress in the state, will meet Sonia Gandhi and other central leaders of the party May 5.

Reddy is the front-runner for the chief minister's post. The central leaders will discuss with him the issue of leadership and hear his views.

Reddy is not likely to face any contender for the post but might encounter some problems if the party is forced to take the support of the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) to form a government. TRS, which fought the elections in alliance with Congress, could oppose YSR as he hails from Rayalseema region.