‘We are wounded, we want justice’
GRIEVANCES TDP chief speaks to HT about his party’s decision to pull out from the NDA, his strategy for the 2019 general elections and special category status for Andhra
They want to damage my image. That is why they are supporting the YSR Congress, which is a tainted party. I am a senior politician of this country. You have to understand that these people have come after me. I was CM in 1995. What I am saying is our people are wounded, they are all suffering, they are all victims. Ambition is one thing but doing things this way is not acceptable, not a correct approach. For six-and-a-half years, I never asked NDA-1 for anything. I supported them with 29 members from my party. At that time, I was instrumental for so many reforms — telecom, highways, liberalisation, open sky policies, greenfield airports. But I did not ask for any position at that time. Even today, I say the same thing. The question is why are you not supporting us on what has been committed --that means the intention is different. these things. It is the prerogative of the prime minister... I wanted to present to him my state’s problems. When he gave me an appointment, I went to him..
Yes, we have always fought against the Congress. You know we have done so many experiments, we have initiated so many political processes. The National Front was initiated by the TDP; the United Front was initiated by TDP; NDA-1 was with TDP support; we were in the opposition during UPA 1 and 2; we supported and then came out of NDA-2. The political process is always different. As of today, I am fighting for my rights. They (Congress) insulted and humiliated (Andhra Pradesh). After that you (BJP) promised you will do everything, you showed the moon. Now you are not doing anything.