The Congress party which was rooted out in Andhra Pradesh completely, after division of the state by losing deposits in almost all constituencies in 2014 polls, is now in search of potential allies, so that to ensure its existence by 2019 polls. In this regard it seems to be keen to join hands with its former MP and Leader of Opposition in the state Y S Jaganmohan Reddy. Party general secretary and incharge for AP Digvijay Singh himself is taking a lead in this regard.

According to sources, already Singh a month ago had directly contacted Jangamohan Reddy and placed two options before him. First, let Reddy merge his party with Congress and take control of party affairs in the state. He also assured that party high command will not interfere in party affairs, including constitution of party committees and selection of candidates.

The second option will be to have alliance. However, Jaganmohan Reddy said to be non-committal. Last week, when he was in AP, Singh openly stated that if Jaganmohan Reddy starts `Padayatra’ his party has no hesitation to extend support. “On the lines of his father YS Rajasekhara Reddy if he prefers for `Padayatra’ to know problems of the people Congress will certainly supports him”, he said.

The immediate concern for the Congress party is to face forthcoming municipal polls. As many as 10 municipal corporations and municipalities, including Visakhapatnam, Guntur and Kakinada are going to polls. Presently, the party is not daring to go alone. As these polls are likely to be testing ground for 20190 polls, party felt the need to show some presence.