The Telegu Desam Party, out of power for the last five years, feels that it has got a chance in the forthcoming Assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh. Besides, the party is also hopeful of improving its voteshare in the Parliamentary elections and making a difference to the Third Front which it is a part of.
For the TDP, the alliance with the Telangana Rastriya Samithi was considered to be a masterstroke. The party hopes to improvise its voteshare in the Telangana region, which has 107 Assembly seats and 17 Lok Sabha seats.
Rediff.com spoke to K Ram Mohan Rao, a senior member of the Telegu Desam Party who is also the joint secretary of the state committee and chairman of the programmes committee on the alliance with the TRS and also the chances of the party in the elections.
The TDP is desperate to return to power. What are the chances?
We are confident of a sweep this time. The people of Andhra Pradesh want us back in power and they will give us the mandate and there is no doubt about that.
What is the voteshare you expect both in the Assembly and Parliamentary segments?
Without a doubt, we will get a comfortable majority. The party expects 180 seats in the Assembly elections and 35 in the Lok Sabha elections.
That is pretty ambitious. Are you sure that you can form the government on your own?
Yes, of course and it is not about being ambitious. I am just stating the facts here.
Your party seems confused where issues are concerned. On one hand you speak of a separate Telangana and on the other you are talking about sops. What is the major agenda?
Out prime focus is the corruption of the Congress. Apart from this, we also tell voters of our achievements during our term in power. We have also assured the voters of a free colour television, cashless cards and 12-hour free power supply.
You are curiously mum on Telangana.
Telangana is no longer a major issue. It is not a public issue any longer. We respect the sentiments of the people of Telangana and let us see what can be done once we come to power.
Then what does the alliance with TRS -- which solely fights for a separate Telangana-- mean?
To be honest, there are many issues that need to be addressed. As I pointed out earlier, Telangana is no longer a major issue. And yes, we will come to power on our own and there is no doubt about that. Regarding the alliance with the TRS, it is not an alliance of convenience. We are together to defeat the Congress and the other parties.
If the figures that you expect turn out to be correct, then will you dump the TRS?
No, that will not happen. Even if we make it and form the government on our own strength, the alliance with the TRS will continue. That is sure.
Finally, what about the euphoria surrounding Chiranjeevi and his Praja Rajyam Party? Doesn't his popularity frighten the TDP?
Not at all. The TDP will win and the PRP will manage just 20 seats in the state. That is for sure.