KCR Wants To Establish Kalvakuntla Kingdom: Telangana TDP Chief L Ramana

Hyderabad: The people of Telangana State are eager to bid an end to the autocratic rule of caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao (KCR), said Telugu Desam Party (TDP) Telangana unit chief L Ramana in an interview to Sakshi.

While the public are reprimanding TRS candidates campaigning across the State, KCR intends to continue his family rule in Telangana, which was carved out as a result of the sacrifices of hundreds of activists during the Telangana movement, he said. The main intention of the grand alliance formed between the Congress, TDP, TJS and the CPI is to ensure the fruits of separate statehood to Telangana reaches all sections and not gain power, positions and money, he added.

Here are excerpts from L Ramana's interview on the latest developments in the Congress-led grand alliance and Telangana's current political scenario in lieu of the upcoming Assembly elections.

Sakshi: TDP was in the past perceived as an anti-Telangana party. How is the public response to the party now?

Ramana: The TDP always had a place in the hearts of Telangana people. During the 2014 elections, KCR spit venom on the TDP by making false accusations with a view to politically weaken the party in the State. Even then, the TDP-BJP alliance won in 20 Assembly constituencies and 2 Lok Sabha seats. There is positive opinion on the party across the State.

Sakshi: The TRS claim that TDP would move to Amaravati if voted to power?

Ramana: KCR and his family are obsessed with provoking people of the state. The TRS claimed credit for Telangana's statehood while it had only two MP seats. After forming the government with 63 MLA seats, KCR attracted 30 MLAs from other parties in the form of defections. Now that KCR has dissolved the government abruptly, the public are upset with the TRS. Hence, KCR is making meaningless claims of transfer of power to Amaravati and Delhi.

Sakshi: Your response on TRS's comment—Opposition's inability?

Ramana: KCR doesn't believe that Telangana is an integral part of India. He perceives the State as a federal entity and that the State does not abide by the Constitution. He's attempting to establish a Kalvakuntla kingdom in the State. After the elections, we will know who the people will favour.

Sakshi: How many seats will the TDP contest in the grand alliance?

Ramana: We are not hungry for seats and power. Even as the seat-sharing exercise is under process, we are moving forward with a strategy to defeat the TRS Chief, who once ridiculed the TDP saying we had only 0.02% voting percentage.

Sakshi: Will you contest in the elections?

Ramana: Since 1994, I have contested against bigwigs like Jeevan Reddy, Chokka Rao, MSR, Vidyasagar Rao and KCR in nine elections. Although I am ready to sacrifice my seat, the party will decide if I should contest.

Sakshi: Will the TDP be a part of the government if the alliance is elected to power in the upcoming polls?

Ramana: If we go by the history in the country, not all alliances had been successful. But, we wish that this alliance stays united. With a strong desire to form the government, we have been holding discussions over the last 45 days which is progressing smoothly. The TDP will not hold back if there is an opportunity to take up the responsibility.

Sakshi: On the grand alliance's Common Minimum Program?

Ramana: The Telangana agitation revolved around the demand for self-governance, social development, waters, funds and employment opportunities. Except for KCR's family members, none of the Telangana citizens were empowered. With a vision to achieve social balance, our people's agenda will include the one-time Rs 2 lakh farm loan waivers, one lakh jobs in the first year of government, a mega DSC with 20,000 posts the first three months, women's loan waivers up to Rs 1 lakh, support to industries, focus on education and justice to workers, students and the unemployed. These aspects will be covered in our Common Minimum Program.

Sakshi: What if one asks why not to vote for the TRS but for the grand alliance?

Ramana: KCR, after promising to make a Dalit the first CM of the State, misused Rs 8 lakh crore in his family rule. KCR promised water to one lakh acres. Not even a lakh acre received irrigation facilities in the last four years. The promises of one lakh jobs, double bedroom houses, minority reservations, KG to PG education etc were not met. The grand alliance will live up to its words and that is why the public will vote us to power.

Sakshi: How would you see the TDP's involvement in the alliance against its anti-Congress ideology?

Ramana: The TDP was formed against the national-level dominance of the Congress with a demand for social balance. Most of the current crop of TRS and Congress leaders were based in the TDP. KCR made fun of TDP, TJS and the Communist parties. Naturally, we were inclined to forming an alliance. The Congress came forward to lead the alliance with a common agenda to oust KCR from power.

Sakshi: When will the TDP begin poll campaign?

Ramana: TRS chief KCR created history by proclaiming the Election Commission's plans and intention publicly. He had to face the ire of the EC later. Rather than falling into his trap, we made KCR fall into our trap. We have a strategical plan to announce candidates and begin campaign. Already, TDP MLA Nandamuri Balakrishna has begun his campaign in Khammam district. In the position of party national president, Chandrababu will also participate in the campaign. We are next to no one when it comes to electioneering.

Watch this space for more updates on Telangana Assembly election.