Hyderabad: Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao on Saturday made sensational comments on national politics.
The CM disclosed that he had already initiated talks with like-minded parties and hoped that the new Front may take shape before 2019 polls and contest the elections, if all goes as planned. “Congress and the BJP are both sides of the same coin. Together, they ruled the country for almost 65 years out of 70 years of Indian democracy. They failed miserably as not even basic facility like drinking water could be provided for all households. Both failed to address irrigation, agriculture and farmers’ issues due to which there is crisis in the farm sector,” Mr Rao said.
When asked whether TD chief and AP CM N. Chandrababu Naidu will also be part of the new Front, Mr Rao replied, “Why not? All tho-se who are opposing the BJP and the Congress and willing to work with us are welcome.”
Asked about the status of new Front, the CM said, “We have already belled the cat. It is going on. During my recent Delhi trip, I discussed the issue with CPM leader Sitaram Yechury. I cannot disclose more than this. Everything will come out at an appropriate time.”
When queried whether time will be sufficient time for a Third Fr-ont to form and contest 2019 elections, which is just a year away, Mr Rao said, “Janata Party was formed just months ahead of the 1977 polls. It swept the polls and for-med the government. NTR formed TD just months before 1983 polls and emerged victorious. This shows everything is possible in Indian politics.”
Reiterating that he has nothing personal against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Mr Rao said the slow progress of the country is what upsets me.
“He was expected to bring sweeping changes after voting to power. But it did not happen,” the CM said.
“Even if Congress wins 2019 elections, can we hope for any change? Except for changing the names of existing schemes, nothing more will change. The people in this country are fed up with this kind of monotonous rule. They want qualitative change, which our new Front will offer,” Mr Rao said.
