Former PCC president M. Satyanarayana Rao, whose has been keeping a low profile for quite a while feels that the Congress party has a better chance of winning the elections in Telangana. The veteran Congress leader, who does not mince words in pulling up partymen or making a scathing attack on the party for its policies hopes that division of the State because of the concerted efforts of AICC president Sonia Gandhi would certainly boost the chances of the party candidates. In an interview to The Hindu, Mr. Satyanarayana cautioned the party men to be united and put sincere efforts to come out with flying colours. He also favoured alliance with the TRS for improved performance.
Excerpts of the interview:
What do you feel are the positive aspects of division of the State and its benefits to the Congress?
None can dispute the fact that it is the Congress party alone that has conceded separate State of Telangana. Ms. Sonia Gandhi knowing very well that division of the State would cause immense damage to the Congress n Seemandhra went ahead and fulfilled the aspirations of the people of Telangana. This aspect alone would stand good for us in the elections. She took a very big risk. Her Karimnagar meeting has given us a big boost.
Is it not a fact that Congress party has failed to derive mileage after bifurcation of the State?
It is partly true. We should have taken steps to go all out to the people and impressed upon the fact that it was because of Congress that a separate State has been formed.
How do you react to a number of senior leaders aspiring to become the Chief Minister, once the state is formed?
Aspiration among party seniors has gone up after the State was divided. Every one, who got a ticket in the elections feel that they are Chief Ministerial material. My appeal to the Congress leaders is to be united. I feel sad that every Congress leader has his own agenda. Unless all of us are united, we will not put up good show in the polls.
Is the poll scenario conducive for the Congress to put up impressive performance?
Congress party has positive chance of winning the elections. We should be able to get more seats than TRS and form the Government.
With the Congress going alone, do you think it will impact the party’s performance?
I personally feel that Congress and the TRS should have entered into an electoral alliance. But, now that it is not possible, I feel the TRS leadership is feeling over confident. That is not correct. They should realise the ground reality.
Do you prefer post-poll alliance, if there is fractured mandate?
I feel if any of the two parties fall short of the magic figure, either they will support us or we may back them.
