Hyderabad: MIM is keeping a close watch on ally TRS, especially after speculation that the party is likely to join the Modi government. MIM had a cosy relationship with TRS in the 2014 general elections and subsequently, though it differed with it on the regularisation of illegal occupation of government lands for a price.

Since there is no official word from the Chief Minister and TRS president K. Chandrasekhar Rao on the BJP tie-up issue, MIM leaders prefer to wait and watch. “We don’t know whether KCR will join the NDA government or not. We can’t jump to a conclusion based on media reports. We are watching the developments,” a senior MIM leader said. For the moment, TRS and MIM are friends, though the relation is coming under strain for various reasons, especially reports of TRS’ possible alliance with the BJP at the Centre, TRS’ membership drive in the Old City and regularisation of lands for a price among others.

However, the CM adhered to the MIM’s request of realignment of Metro Rail. Interestingly, while all parties condemned the TS government for shifting the Secretariat, MIM did not. Moreover, Mr Rao and MIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi have maintained a cordial political relationship till now. But excise minister and city strongman, T. Padma Rao said all is well with the MIM. “We are allies and our friendship continues. There are no differences with MIM as is being rumoured.

Our aim is to win the GHMC elections. There is massive response for TRS’ membership drive in the city and other parts of the state,” he said. A TRS MP said the government’s aim is to have a good relationship with the Centre and that does not mean it has planned to join NDA. TRS and MIM are gearing up for the GHMC polls which will be held after delimitation of the divisions. The BJP has announced that it will continue to have an alliance with TD in the GHMC polls.