Delhi, Kolkata: The biggest challenge for the Third Front seems to be holding the formation together. This time there's trouble within the front. The Telangana Rashtra Samiti or the TRS, an ally of the TDP and the Left in Andhra Pradesh, has sent out an alarming signal.
TRS Member of Parliament Virendra Kumar says: "It is better to go with the BJP as small states have been created during their tenure."
But it is the bigger players that should worry the Third Front more. Will they still keep holding each other a week from now?
The AIADMK, expected to do well, is being wooed by both the Congress and the BJP.
Mayawati is with the Third Front but non-committal about joining it. Sources say the BJP is trying hard to win her over.
Naveen Patnaik claims to be with the Left but hasn't joined the Third Front yet. Observers say he too could get back to the NDA.
Many believe, if the Third Front can't cobble up the numbers, the Left may have to repeat 2004 -- extend outside support to the Congress to stop the NDA from coming to power.
Says CPM general secretary Prakash Karat: "Let the elections be over. Let the results come. After May 16, we will see."