Congress Victory in Telangana Elections is a Foregone Conclusion: Revanth Reddy

HYDERABAD: TPCC president A. Revanth Reddy said that a Congress win in the November 30 polls was a foregone conclusion and the only question was if it would cross the 80-seat mark, with the latest surveys indicating 70-75 seats for the party.

Amid hectic campaigning, Deccan Chronicle’s L. Venkat Ram Reddy caught up with Revanth Reddy for a wide-ranging interview on issues, why people should not vote for the BRS and why people should choose the Congress.

Edited excerpts:

Q: You are already inviting people to the Congress government's oath-taking ceremony on December 9 at LB Stadium. What makes you so confident?

In my two decades in politics, I have never seen such a strong anti-incumbency. People are fed up with their (BRS’) misrule, family rule, corruption and failure to deliver. The people are treating the polls not as a fight between political parties, but as a fight between themselves and the BRS. They want the Congress to lead their fight since they believe that the BRS and the BJP are two sides of the same coin. The Congress victory is a foregone conclusion.

Q: The Congress won 21 seats in 2014 and 19 in 2018. How can you expect a three-fold increase?

The 2014 polls were different. People treated TRS as a party which achieved statehood. KCR enjoyed goodwill. But he failed to deliver on ‘neellu (water)’, ‘nidhulu (funds)’, n’iyamakalu (jobs)’. He had nothing to show for in 2018, but he got a chance to invoke the Telangana sentiment after the Congress joined hands with the TD. But the goodwill has vanished. This is enough for Congress to win over 70 seats.

Q: A few surveys have predicted a hung Assembly, which will benefit the BRS.

History proves that the chances of a hung Assembly are nil in Telugu states. Telugu voters gave a clear verdict. They will give a clear majority for the Congress.

Q: Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao says the Congress will shut welfare schemes.

The Congress introduced free power for agriculture, pensions for the poor, Aarogyasri, fee reimbursement, scholarships and Indiramma houses in 2004. We implemented them effectively for 10 years. The BRS is just continuing our schemes. It copied Rythu Bandhu from the Congress manifesto of 2014. Where does the question of the Congress abolishing welfare schemes arise?

Q: The BRS is claiming that the Congress’ six guarantees were copied from its welfare schemes.

I pity them. It shows their frustration. Where is the Mahalakshmi scheme giving Rs 2,500 per month to women (in the BRS manifesto)? Where is free bus travel for women? Where is Rs 12,000 per acre per year for tenant farmers? They promised to enhance the Aasara pension, the Rythu Bandhu amount, and the LPG cylinder for Rs 500 after we released our six guarantees. This shows proves who copied whom.

Q: BRS is claiming that farmers will get only three hours of free power if the Congress wins, as the six guarantees don't mention free power.

The BRS’ claim of giving 24-hour free power is a big lie. Farmers are not getting even eight-hour supplies. We have challenged BRS leaders to come to any sub-station and prove their claim. But they backtracked. They are even hiding log records in sub-stations. Congress will provide not only 24-hour free power but also quality power. That is our promise and commitment.

Q: BRS leaders say a Congress government will be unstable as there are a dozen CM candidates.

This is yet another false propaganda. The Congress made Dr Manmohan Singh Prime Minister for 10 years. Siddaramaiah was CM of Karnataka for a full term, and is CM again. Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh CMs completed a full term. What's wrong if the party has a dozen CM candidates? In the Congress, anyone can become the CM. It's not like BRS, where only KCR and after him KTR and after him KTR's son can become CM.

Q: Who will be the CM if the Congress wins?

Ours is a national party. Our party high command will decide after consulting elected MLAs and senior leaders. It's not for me to declare who will become the CM.

Q: It is being said that Hyderabad will become like Amaravati if the Congress returns to power.

Congress governments were responsible for enhancing the brand image of Hyderabad. The Shamshabad (airport), Metro Rail, Outer Ring Road and many flyovers came up during the Congress rule. Financial District, where IT and ITeS sectors are booming, was created by the Congress. These measures led to a realty boom from 2004. The BRS did not execute a single noteworthy project that enhanced the brand value of the city. In fact, it diminished due to frequent flooding.

Q: The BRS says anti-Telangana forces are coming together.

But the people are saying that BRS leaders have no right to talk about Telangana sentiment after they removed the word ‘Telangana' from their party's name.

Q: What are your thoughts on claims that the Telangana Congress has two bosses, one in Delhi and the other in Karnataka?

The Congress is a national party. Leaders from all states will be assigned responsibilities. Karnataka is our neighbouring state. What's wrong if Karnataka leaders work for the party's victory in Telangana?