Sharad Yadav Calls on Chiranjeevi, Goud

In a significant development, Janata Dal (U) president Sharad Yadav called on Prajarajyam(PRP) chief Chiranjeevi at the latter’s office here today.

Both the leaders are understood to have discussed the current political situation.

Janata Dal (U) is an ally of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). However, Sharad Yadav clarified that he did not meet Chiranjeevi as an emissary of the BJP. Complimenting Chiranjeevi for championing the cause of social justice, he said that was the reason why he had come to meet the star-turned-politician Earlier, Yadav met Nava Telangana Party (NTP) president T Devender Goud at the latter’s residence.

Goud claimed that they did not discuss the possibility of an electoral tie-up but added, ‘‘Yadav is working for social justice just as we are and both the parties will keep working together for the same cause.’’ Sharad Yadav also shook hands with TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu at a private function but Naidu did not have a one-on-one with Yadav.

Meanwhile, Chiranjeevi told reporters that his party was open to ‘‘discuss’’ alliances with any party.

He confirmed that his party had held negotiations with the TRS but hastened to add that they were still keeping their options open for pre-poll alliances with like-minded parties, including the TRS. Chiranjeevi also anointed his younger brother Pawan Kalyan as the party’s youth wing, Yuva Rajyam, president.