For years, he has been solving any problem related to scholarships, mess charges or hostel admissions of students from oppressed sections in Andhra Pradesh.
Now, R. Krishnaiah has donned a new role by joining the Telugu Desam Party claiming that it gives him an opportunity to achieve the goal of greater share for backward caste people in political power. He shares his ideas in this interview.
Having fought for the rights of BCs for nearly four decades, without any political affiliation, why enter politics now through TDP?
We have been struggling for political power for BCs which was our agenda for years . The TDP was the first party to announce that it would make a BC candidate the Chief Minister. To realise the cherished goal of share in political power for BCs, I entered politics and the TDP was the natural choice.
Do you see yourself as the Chief Minister candidate from the TDP?
Yes, I am. I hope the BJP, an ally of the TDP now, will also support my candidature, seeing the war I waged for the welfare of BCs.
What about the criticism that the TDP is trying to regain lost ground in Telangana by using the BC card before elections?
Every party aims at political power and our society is based on caste system. No party declares in advance what it would do for people. After the TDP made its move, we approached different parties and sought their views on making a BC candidate as Chief Minister. No party responded.
What if the Congress also promises to make a Dalit or person from BCs as Chief Minister?
What prevented that party from doing so all these years? Instead of bringing in N. Kiran Kumar Reddy, who never worked even as a Minister as Chief Minister after K. Rosaiah, they could have appointed a BC legislator as the Chief Minister. They nominate BC leaders as APCC or TPCC presidents but don’t think them fit for the coveted post.
