KCR family is biggest liability for TRS: Revanth

From Hyderabad, the 120-km drive to Kodangal looks like an off-road adventure, thanks to untimely road-widening works that begin after Manneguda near Chevella and end at Kodangal where Congress firebrand leader Anumula Revanth Reddy is in race for his third consecutive win as MLA. Only 10 years in politics and already the working president of Telangana Congress, Reddy, who heli-hopped to 40 constituencies to campaign for party candidates in last few weeks, has bigger ambitions.

“Congress will win two-thirds majority this time as KCR and TRS has done nothing except amassing ill-gotten wealth of Rs 20,000 crore, but I am not in CM race,” busy Revanth Reddy tells P Madhusudhan Reddy in an exclusive chat, while travelling in his vehicle from Kodangal to nearby Kosgi for campaign on Monday evening hours, before he was arrested in the wee hours of Tuesday.

TDP has a well-disciplined cadre. But Congress is an ocean with abundant political freedom and groupism. Does Congress culture suit you? or do you feel like fish out of water?
Nothing like that. For me, TDP is like a college while Congress is a university. So, I have to behave like a university student now. But fundamentals are same in both the parties - working for common public. Political party is a minor thing, major issue is public life. I am more comfortable with Congress in public life.

TRS has declared its candidates three months ahead of election date. It has a strong CM candidate in K Chandrashekar Rao. Congress has no CM candidate. Moreover, it released the names of its candidates just three weeks before elections. Against this backdrop, do you think Congress can put up a credible fight to TRS?
It’s very simple. It’s nothing to do with the announcement of candidates’ list. The nomination filing schedule was from November 12 to 19. That seven-day period is more important. There is no use even if someone declares candidates one year in advance. Even TRS declared names of 14 candidates on December 18 evening. Further, Congress had no issue in 70 constituencies where it had undisputed candidates. In the remaining seats, we offered over 20 seats to our alliance partners. On TRS leadership, it’s a liability for that party as only family members are ruling the State. They can only aspire for higher positions, no one else.

You meant to say KCR is a liability for TRS?
KCR’s family is a liability for the TRS party. KCR may be a bit of asset for them. At the end of the day, what counts is the end result. That way, KCR family is the biggest liability for TRS
candidates.

You continuously level corruption allegations against KCR family. But TRS says you don't have any evidence.
That’s not true. I have strong evidence against their corruption. I already filed six to seven cases in this regard. Courts admitted the cases and issued notices. We are awaiting court’s decision. The process is on. The TRS government invited tenders for projects worth Rs 2 lakh crore. KCR’s lucky number is six. He is taking six per cent commission in that works. His son-in-law collected 2 per cent commission in irrigation projects, while his son is taking 2 per cent in water grid works. So are the party’s local leaders. So, the total works out to be 10 per cent. That means, the total commission in tenders is around Rs 20,000 crore. In addition, they also made money in land disputes and power purchases. So, surplus Telangana State slipped into deficit, while KCR family’s wealth has become surplus.

Do you see KTR becoming Chief Minister if TRS wins this time? How do you rate KTR as a politician?
As per the Presidential Order, he (KTR) is not eligible even for a small government job in Telangana. He studied in Guntur and Pune before going to the United States. Just because his father is Chief Minister, KTR has become a Minister. KCR thinks he is an emperor. This time, he wants to make Yuva Raja (KTR) as maharaja (King). Public will take right decision against TRS at right time and Congress will win elections hands down.

You say Congress will win elections this time. How many seats will Congress win?
In the past, Congress implemented innovative welfare measures like loan waiver, free power, fee reimbursement, Aarogyasri. Above all, it was instrumental in the creation of Telangana. This time, we announced excellent manifesto for welfare and development of the State. Therefore, get two-third majority now.

You campaigned for the party candidates across the State. So, you have a right to aspire for CM post. Will you throw your hat in the CM race?
In Congress, even ordinary worker can aspire to become the Chief Minister or any other position. Congress is a democratic party. That’s not the case in TRS where only KCR family can aspire. As of now, age is on my side. I am comfortable with whatever position I have. I am not in race for CM post. Our MLAs and party will take a call on that.

KTR said that he will quit politics if TRS loses this election. He challenged Congress leaders on this. If you are so confident of winning elections, why don't you take up the challenge?
We have to read between the lines and what his real intention is. Like economic terrorists such as Nirav Modi, Vijay Mallya, KTR wants to run out of the country. I am asking who is he to challenge Congress party? Is he president of TRS or proposed chief ministerial candidate? He doesn’t have any locus standi in TRS party to make such a challenge. He should take permission letter from KCR before making such a challenge. But we don’t leave KTR so easily. He will have to return all the wealth he has amassed. He will have to pay heavily for misusing power.

Will you accept if KCR makes similar challenge?
Definitely, cent per cent. I am ready to take head-on challenge with KCR. Not only that, I will accept challenge from KTR too if KCR makes him party president.

As a rival, TRS will obviously try its level best to defeat you in Kodangal. How do you plan to face the challenge? Is it the biggest political challenge for you?
It’s the biggest challenge for Kodangal people, not for Revanth Reddy. I am the representative of Kodangal people. The fight is between KCR and Kodangal people. Two lakh voters of Kodangal are with me. I already challenged KCR and KTR to contest from Kodangal. There is a clear evidence of how the TRS is using money power in this election. Income Tax department raided and seized money, liquor belonging to TRS leaders. Election Commission should disqualify TRS candidate P Narender Reddy. He is using money power and liquor to influence voters.

Some people in your constituency say not much development had taken place in the constituency in the last five years. Will that not adversely impact your prospects in Kodangal?
That’s not true. As a part of its political vendetta, the TRS government created hurdles and showed step-motherly attitude towards this constituency. But people are ready to elect Congress here. As Congress is going to form the government and I will play important role in it, I will develop Kodangal as a model constituency in Telangana. In 2014, my majority doubled to 15,000 from 7,000 in 2009. This time also, my majority will double to 30,000.

There were reports that you were mulling over launching a political party before joining Congress. If Congress doesn't win this time, it is not going to be easy for Congress to put up fight with TRS in next Assembly elections. In that eventuality, will you part ways and launch your own political party?
I came to Congress from a regional party. I have decided to remain in Congress for life. I don’t have any personal ambitions. I am only interested in serving the State and the nation. Congress party is the best platform for performers like me and I am happy with the party.