Congress and TDP have now formalised the alliance, thanks to the dissolution of Telangana assembly by Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) who wants to go for early elections. TRS, however, cannot believe that TDP is joining hands with Congress of all parties.
Hyderabad: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday visited Hyderabad and authorised Telangana's Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leaders to take a decision on their alliance with Congress.
Congress and TDP have now formalised the alliance, thanks to the dissolution of Telangana assembly by Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) who wants to go for early elections.
Congress is roping in not just TDP but other stakeholders in Telangana to rout KCR.
“Congress is not just joining TDP. Telangana Jana Samithi led by Prof Kodandaram, CPI, CPM, popular folklore singer Gaddar, Vimalakka have been roped in. The fight for this election is not Congress against TRS for power. This is a fight of the people who were part of the Telangana movement against K Chandrasekhar Rao and his families’ policies," Telangana Congress’ spokesperson Krishank told MyNation.
TRS, however, cannot believe that TDP is joining hands with Congress of all parties.
"I really can't understand how TDP and Congress can come together. TDP hasn't delivered the promises given to people. They have not given special status to Andhra Pradesh. TDP was born to defeat Congress. NT Rama Rao was totally against Congress. Today I don't know if people will accept this alliance," said AP Jitender Reddy, the floor leader of TRS in Telangana, told MyNation.
Congress refuted TRS' claims and said TDP is only relegated to Andhra and does not care about Telangana.
"TRS says TDP is an Andhra party and asks why should Congress join them? However, KCR himself is from TDP, six to seven members of his cabinet ministers are from TDP. Post elections, people who abused KCR, who spoke against the Telangana agitation, attacked students supporting the movement, have been brought to power. So how can they question the alliance? The alliances are not new. They are spreading the belief that if you support TRS you are pro-Telangana, if not, you are anti-Telangana. They also said that NT Rama Rao formed TDP to keep Congress away. That is not true," said Krishank.
TRS has defended their leader KCR stating that the welfare schemes started by the chief minister had benefitted the State.
"How can they question on what KCR has done? What have they (Congress) done in the last 67 years? Today there are 465 schemes that KCR has launched in favour of the people of Telangana. The State has one of the best infrastructures in the country. So when the world is accepting that Telangana, as a newly born state, is doing so well, why can't they? Their claims are only politically motivated," said Jitender.
Congress believes that TRS is afraid of losing Telangana due to the party having an edge over other parties in the States going into elections.
"Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Rajasthan elections are coming up. Many national survey reports are showing that Congress has an edge. KCR does not want to go to polls after elections in other States which would have a cascading effect. That is why he wants to face the elections simultaneously with other States. We are asking, when people have given a mandate for the government to rule, why did he have to run away from his responsibility eight months and 26 days before?," questioned Krishank.
TRS refuted such claims and said that the dissolution of the assembly was done to give a befitting reply to the Opposition.
"Whatever the hurdles that the Congress are unnecessarily placing on TRS, KCR wanted to shut their mouth once and for all. This is why he had to go for dissolution of the assembly showing that he still wields power," said Jitender.
Congress had come under fire online after Telangana chief Uttam Kumar Reddy called KCR's son KT Rama Rao a “dishwasher”.
Netizens lashed out saying that Congress was indulging in insulting the labour class.
Krishank said, "It all started with KCR's language. He called Rahul Gandhi a buffoon. That is not the way he should talk. KT Rama Rao preaches a lot but does not practice it. He says that one should not erect banners or hoardings. But his party turns Hyderabad pink whenever their political programmes are held. Has Rahul Gandhi ever spoken rubbish against KCR and KTR? We've never questioned KCR's profession before entering politics. He had allegations against him that he was a fake passport dealer. He is known as 'Dubai Shekhar' in his hometown. In politics, a little civility and civic sense have to be there."
TRS, however, believes that insulting people shows Congress' pettiness.
"Is dishwashing a wrong thing? If his wife is washing dishes every day, should she be blamed for that? Everybody has to do their own duty. Everybody should appreciate that. Even when he (Uttam Kumar Reddy) was in the army did he not wash his dishes? These are unnecessary and silly statements," said Jitender.
The stage is set for an early election in Telangana and the Election Commission has advanced the electoral rolls revision in the State. And with a new alliance, it will be interesting to see who the people of Telangana elect to power.
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