Congress gave more than I deserved, except Telangana: Kesava Rao
Hyderabad: Senior politician K. Kesava Rao, who was with the Congress for nearly five decades, recently joined the TRS. Maintaining that Congress had given him more than what he deserved, except Telangana, he said he had to leave the Congress with a heavy heart to achieve his goal — the formation of separate Telangana state. Excerpts from his interview with DC:
Q: You’ve been in Congress for long? How could you quit at this stage?
It is a moral calling for Telangana. I led the movement from front, on the basis of Congress’ solemn pledges and made people believe them. I have done everything to make the party redeem its promises; but failed. Now, I cannot but stand by the people for democratic mandate. It is a ‘do or die battle’ for us.
Q: How could you quit?
It is with a heavy heart I leave the party. The party has given me more than what I deserved (positions), except the avowed Telangana. I still stand by its secular credentials and policy of inclusive growth. But in the present context, they are no substitute to my Telangana.
Q: How could you think that a sub regional party with 17 seats could get T, particularly without the help of national parties like the Congress or BJP?
In coalition era, the so-called national parties become ‘ruling parties’ only with the help of regional parties. Hence, the latter will have decisive bargaining powers.
Q: Ghulam Nabi Azad alleged that you had bargained for seats and not for Telangana?
I am hurt by his comments. The party has given me more positions than I deserved or asked. I could have still been like Azad in CWC, only if I had not differed on the T-issue. I am not contesting, so no question of ‘seats’. Azad can bargain for his position at the Centre, compromising his views on J&K, but not me, with inalienable Telangana.
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