Telangana crisis has been dominating headlines ever since K Chandrashekhar Rao(KCR) of Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) started his fast unto death giving a massive impetus to the movement. Though the demand of Telengana goes back to 1953, it was the defiant politics of KCR that finally made the Centre gives its nod to carving out a separate state from Andhra.
KCR followers have also earned accolades in the due process. One of them is his nephew and two-times MP from Siddipet, which falls in the Telangana region, T Harish Rao, who gained all-round praise for his avid role in this movement. An astute politician with an affable nature, he talked exclusively to Devika Chhibber of Zeenews.com on subjects varying from his party’s role in the politics of Andhra to the status of Hyderabad and TRS’ future strategies.
EXCERPTS:
How much time is Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) willing to spare for the carving of the new state and what if the Centre backs out?
TRS is ready to grant considerable time for the formation of the new state. The procedure and duration of the creation shall remain similar to that of the carving out of other states like Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Uttarakhand. The Centre cannot back out of its promise now. Any flip-flop on their part would mar the state with turbulence and violent protests, which actually none of us want. We want a peaceful Telangana, which welcomes people of all caste and communities to share and grow together.
If people want Telangana, then why did they vote overwhelmingly for the Congress government in Andhra Pradesh in the Assembly elections held in 2009?
Before being a politician, I am a common man and yes, the layman residing in Telangana wants a separate statehood status. Till date, so many movements have been taken up but in vain and now when we have achieved what we always wanted, nobody can stop us. Talking about the polls, Congress got around 220 seats in 2004 Assembly elections whereas they were able to win only 157 seats in 2009 i.e. only 45% in Telangana. So you can yourself understand the political reality of the region.
But why, all of a sudden, this outcry? Is it a power-motivated game of TRS to have a hold in the region?
No, it is just our fight for a separate statehood and no mind games are involved in the process. Previously, we supported the Congress as they promised us Telangana, but we were disillusioned as the then CM, Rajasekhar Reddy, did not want to grant us the privilege. Therefore, we withdrew our support. Since TRS has grassroots base in the region, people want us here, and the on-going protests are a proof of that. We have been suffering from so many years and now we want our rights.
You claim Telangana is necessary for the development of the state. Don’t you think it will bring disparity among people?
Which unity are you talking about? We were never considered a part of Andhra Pradesh. Even in cinemas the female lead is from Andhra and the villain portrayed is from Telangana. Andhra people grab jobs, divert Telangana resources especially water resources. If we talk about culture and tradition, Telangana will accept all kinds of people with different religions.
We have people from Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, West Bengal, Punjab and other states. It is our stand not to discriminate against people from other regions living in Telangana. We have no ill will towards these peace-loving people.
Hyderabad has become a bone of contention between the votaries of Telangana and those against it. Are you ready to compromise on the same?
Hyderabad will absolutely remain in Telangana. We will never compromise on the issue. It is the soul of the region. Anyone trying to create any complication is trying to put an obstacle in the creation of Telangana from Andhra Pradesh. It is like saying Jammu and Kashmir should be independent of India.
Who do you think would be the probable contenders for the CM’s post in the new state?
That is a question, which will be answered with time. KCR will certainly not take any post in the government. Besides him, no other candidate is prominent enough to run the party. Well, the party as a whole will take the decision whenever the necessity arises in the future.
Once you were considered as an heir to KCR, now after his son’s entry into the political arena, has your status been affected in the party?
All members in the party are a team dedicated to its causes. KCR’s son is welcome in the party, in fact, by having him, the confidence of the organization has got a double boost. I am more than willing to work with him in near future.
What will be the future strategy of the TRS after it comes into power?
TRS will work for the upliftment of the poor and needy, who so far have been deprived of the basic necessities since ages. We have suffered a lot in every aspect, whether we speak of water, education, resource distribution, employment, or political power. Our battle has been against those who grabbed political power and exploited river waters, employment opportunities, and education facilities, leaving us in the lurch.
