'The TRS has no option but to merge with Congress'

Was a clash with Telagana Rashtra Samithi leader K Chandrashekhara Rao over the Medak Lok Sabha constituency the reason for Vijayashanthi leaving the TRS and joining the Congress? The actress-MP speaks to Rediff.com's Vicky Nanjappa.

She was the star candidate for the Telangana Rastra Samithi before she decided to join the Congress. Actress Vijayashanthi, who was part of the Telangana battle for over a decade, joined the Congress last week.

Her decision to join the party was not sudden; she says the party kept its promise on Telangana, and now it is time for the TRS to live up to its promise of merging with the Congress.

In this interview with Rediff.com's Vicky Nanjappa, Vijayashanthi, left, feels the TRS has no option but to come to the Congress.

What made you quit the TRS and join the Congress?

The TRS had always said it would join the Congress if Telangana was granted. The Congress has fulfilled its promise, and so have I.

I have fought a long battle for Telangana since the past 15 years, and statehood has been achieved.

The TRS has not yet said officially that it will merge with the Congress. Is a merger on the cards?

I am not sure about the TRS's decision. However, I am aware that the TRS has always said it would merge with the Congress once Telangana became a state.

I feel the TRS will have to come to the Congress as there appears to be no other option.

Is the Congress keen on a merger or alliance?

The Congress is not keen on an alliance. All through this time, there was only talk of a merger and so I feel that an alliance is not the option.

There was a rift between you and TRS chief K Chandrashekhara Rao over the Medak Lok Sabha constituency. Is that the reason why you left the TRS?

I would not say that. There was a bit of discussion on that subject (Medak). There were feelers sent that KCR wanted to contest from that constituency.

However, I wanted to contest from Medak since I have worked there.

Moreover, the people are aware of the work that I have done in Medak, and I have worked sincerely.

I just felt I should not change my constituency.

If at all KCR decides not to merge or ally with the Congress, and fight from Medak, I am ready for that.

However, whether I will contest from Medak or not is a decision that the Congress will take.

Has KCR insisted that he should be made the chief minister?

I have heard about that.

KCR apparently has many demands for the TRS's merger with the Congress. Could you tell us what they are?

All I know is that he has made a lot of demands. I do not know what exactly these demands are, and I am not sure if the Congress will accept all of them.

Is the Congress sure of an exceptional performance in Telangana?

Yes.