Have not asked for any post, says Etala

HYDERABAD: Huzurabad BJP MLA Etala Rajendar, who has been in the news for the past few days over reported differences with the state party leadership, on Wednesday said he was not after any position or post or was seeking any power in the party.

He told reporters at a press meet at his residence, “I have never asked for a post in the past and will not do so in future.”

Answering questions about his recent New Delhi visit where he met some national BJP leaders, Rajendar said, “Sometimes we go to provide the information we believe that they should know about. Sometimes we get called when they want information on what is happening here.”

Asked if the national leadership could be considering a fresh role for him, Rajendar said, “They might be thinking about what kind of responsibility can be given, where the party needs me and what I should do. The BJP is not just a political party but runs on principles. Those who join it from other parties come with the hope that they want to become MLAs, or MPs, or ministers. There is nothing wrong with this. Like our national leaders keep telling us, the talk about old and new is irrelevant. But, yes, it takes some time for the old and the new to settle down and understand there is no conflict of interest between the two sides.”

On a question of reported differences between some party leaders and the BJP state president Bandi Sanjay Kumar, Rajender said, “Our president is working as per his capacity. Our strength has to be increased, workers and experienced leaders from other parties are needed. We are speaking openly about this. Any speculation about a change of leadership has already been set to rest. Hasty decisions based on media reports can sink a party in an election year in Telangana and decisions are not taken in this manner.”