Ahead of the 2024 parliamentary elections, to form a strong third front of regional parties against the ruling BJP at the centre, Telangana chief minister K. Chandrasekar Rao visited Mumbai and met Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray as well as NCP chief Sharad Pawar.

After Thackeray extended support to Chandrasekar Rao last week, the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) president called on him at his official residence ‘Varsha’ here Sunday. Later he also met MVA coalition partner Pawar at his residence ‘Silver Oak’.

KCR told the media that his two-hour meeting with Thackeray was an elaborate discussion on improving and accelerating developmental issues and bringing structural and policy changes in the country.

“The good result of our meeting will soon be seen. The country today needs the inspiration of Marathi warriors like Chhattrapati  Shivaji and (Shiv Sena Founder) Bal Thackeray. I invite Uddhav-ji to come to Telangana,” he said.

Calling Thackeray his ‘brother’, KCR said he looks forward to working together with Maharashtra. “Our states share 1,000 km of the border. With the cooperation of the Maharashtra government, we built the Kaleshwaram project which has benefited Telangana.

“Whenever two politicians meet, politics is bound to feature in the discussion. The manner in which the country is being run a change is needed,” he said, adding that both he and the Maharashtra CM will consult with other regional and national leaders.

The Telangana CM said that all like-minded opposition leaders could meet in Hyderabad or some other city in the coming days to decide on a future course of action.

Accusing the centre of misusing central agencies, KCR said, “The manner in which the centre is abusing central agencies is highly condemnable….it must change its behaviour. The central government should change their policy; they will suffer if they don't. The country has seen many such things.”

Without taking names, Thackeray also attacked the BJP and said, “Hindutva doesn't teach wrong politics. Some people solely work for their agendas even if (the) country goes to hell.”

A statement issued by the Maharashtra chief minister's secretariat said that various schemes and projects in the field of industry and infrastructure in both the states were also discussed. Inter-state cooperation in irrigation projects like Babhli dam, Tummidi Hatti, Medigadda barrage and Chanaka-Korata barrage and various provisions were also discussed in detail.

KCR was accompanied by TRS leaders, including his daughter and MLC Kavitha Kalvakuntla and actor Prakash Raj. Shiv Sena leaders Sanjay Raut and Arvind Sawant were also present in the meeting.

Later, after a 90-minute meeting between Pawar and KCR, the NCP supremo said discussions were held on problems of poverty and farmers issues that India is facing at present. “The meeting was focussed less on political discussion and more on development. Telangana has made a lot of efforts for the upliftment of farmers and has shown the nation the way. More such meetings will be held with KCR,” said Pawar.

KCR added, “The nation isn’t progressing in the right fashion and we need to have fresh resolve and carry all like-minded parties ahead and discuss. We will try and take out a new way and then present an agenda in front of the people.”

Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole could not meet KCR on Sunday as he was stuck with engagements in Bhandara.

"I appreciate his (KCR's) efforts and protests against the central government. But this front cannot be complete without the Congress. The front can only take this fight ahead while taking Congress along,” he said.

KCR's tussle with the BJP, and efforts to join the regional parties, follows that of West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo, who registered a landslide victory in the eastern state and shattered the BJP’s dream to form a government in West Bengal, has been urging cooperation among opposition parties to dethrone the BJP in the next Lok Sabha elections. She had also come to Mumbai last year to meet Pawar. KCR has already received support for the third front from Tamil Nadu chief minister and DMK chief MK Stalin, and is expected to reach out to Mamata as well.

In his post-budget address, KCR blasted the Modi government and also blamed the Congress for failing people of India saying it is time to oust the BJP from country and he will set the ball rolling for a third front. Last week Thackeray had extended invitation to KCR to visit Mumbai.

In South, JDS leader and former prime minister, HD Deve Gowda has already extended support to KCR. Tamil Nadu chief minister, MK Stalin has also said all chief ministers of non-NDA-ruled states would hold a convention in Delhi soon.