Will built a viable alternative to Cong, BJP: Third Front

CHENNAI: Vowing to built a viable alternative to the Congress and BJP, the eight party grouping of regional parties, named the United National Progressive Alliance on Monday said there was a possibility of political realignment at the national level before the next Lok Sabha elections.

"We are a separate front inclusive of non-Congress and non-BJP parties. More parties are willing to join us and there is a possibility of a political realignment before the next Lok Sabha elections," AIADMK supremo Jayalalithaa told reporters after a meeting of the conclave of leaders of regional parties at her Poes Garden residence here.

"We will built a viable alternative to the Congress and BJP and will form a strong front to make India a super power," she said.

Asked what impact a group of regional parties could make on national politics, she said, "Today, the nation's destiny is being shaped only by regional parties."

TDP President N Chandrababu Naidu said the front had not been formed for political reasons alone but also for nation building.

The UNPA would play a major role and propose alternative economic reforms. The Government was talking about growth rate but not bothered about the poor and common man. Though the reforms had started, the benefits had not reached the common man, Naidu said.

The next meeting of the front would be hosted by INLD leader Om Prakash Chautala in New Delhi after the presidential elections. It would chalk out its next course of action there.

Monday's meeting was attended by Jayalalithaa, Naidu, Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav, Chautala, AGP President Brindaban Goswami, Jharkand Vikas Morcha Babulal Marandi and MDMK chief Vaiko. Kerala Congress (J) leader P C Thomas could not attend the meeting as he was away in England.

Though the Kerala Congress (J) was part of the LDF in Kerala, their leaders had assured them that they would be part of the front at the national level, Naidu said.