KCR backs his family, says they fought for T

HYDERABAD: Seeking to silence his critics, Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) president K Chandrasekhara Rao has made it clear that all four members of his family would continue in politics and contest in the coming elections. The party will take a decision soon on finalising the chief minister candidate, he added.

'Some people are criticising me over family rule. Ours is a Telangana family. All my family members will continue in politics,' Rao told reporters here on Sunday.

Referring to the criticism by some that TRS victory would pave the way for 'Dorala Rajyam', Rao wondered whether all those leaders did not work under 'Kamma' and 'Reddy' Doras all these years.

'All the four members of my family, including myself, went to jail. When we fought for Telangana, and organised rasta rokos and relay fasts, why these leaders did not talk about family rule?' Rao asked.

'Family members of Karunanidhi, Frooq Abudhllah, Mulayam Singh, Om Praksh Chotala and Indira Gandhi too are in politics. TDP is also a family party,' Rao said. 'For those who have talent and energy, family should not be a constraint. All my family members won because people supported us,' Rao said.

First two years crucial for T

Asked whether he would be at the helm of affairs to implement his 'Dream Telangana' plan, Rao said: 'We are watching the attitude of some leaders and the recent political developments.

We have to fight for water, jobs and funds. The first two years after formation of Telangana will be highly critical. In the light of all these things, the party will decide what has to be done.

Whatever decision the party takes, it will be communicated to the people before implementation,' Rao explained.'I started the T-movement and completed it. Even President Pranab Mukherjee lauded me for achieving the state,' Rao said.

No Pact with Congress

On the alliance with Congress, Rao said it was a closed chapter. His party is in touch with CPI leaders. Poll alliance would be with CPI alone, he said. Rao said that he had decided to contest from Gajwel Assembly segment.

'I will also contest in Lok Sabha polls. The LS seat will be decided by the party in a day or two,' he said. KCR said TRS might field members of some martyrs' families in Assembly elections.

Later, at a meeting to induct TDP workers into TRS, Rao said his own surveys indicate more than 70 seats to TRS in the Assembly elections. He cautioned youth not to support Narendra Modi in the Lok Sabha. TRS must win all 17 LS seats to fight with the Central goverment for funds, he said.

Stop NSP Tail Pond

In an open letter to Governor ESL Narasimhan, Rao wanted him to cancel the Nagrjuna Sagar Tail Pond project. A TRS delegation will meet the Governor soon to request him to include Telangana issues in school syllabus.