KCR meets Sonia to say thanks

NEW DELHI: With statehood for Telangana, the single point agenda of his party now certain, TRS chief K Chandrasekhara Rao is faced with a dilemma — should he merge with the Congress —a moral obligation for him — or retain his own political identity in the free Telangana state.

Rao, who is in the Capital for over three weeks now to ensure Telangana bill’s passage, on Sunday met Congress chief Sonia Gandhi with his family at her residence.

The meeting was termed as ‘thanksgiving’ to Sonia Gandhi for favouring Telangana, but KCR has maintained silence on the real gratitude the Congress is expecting — Telangana Rashtra Samithi’s merger with it.

“Politics was not discussed,” KCR said but added that Congress functionaries are in touch with him. According to a party source, KCR feels morally obliged to merge. But he also is faced with a strong opinion in the party that is opposed to a merger.

“Surveys indicate that it is TRS that would get more credit (votes and seats) for state formation. And what is the point of merging with a party which at national level appears to be a sinking ship?” the leader told HT.

Political analysts opine the party posturing could be to draw the maximum meat in the bargain — either merger or an alliance — besides showing that KCR is no pushover.

KCR also submitted a set of wishes corresponding to what the Seemandhra is given as compensation for AP’s division and loss of Hyderabad.