Telangana BJP president and Union Minister for Culture, Tourism and Development of Northeast Region G. Kishan Reddy has been on the hot seat for the Assembly elections after his predecessor and MP Bandi Sanjay Kumar was ‘elevated’ as national general secretary. In this exclusive interview, he explains how he is trying to ensure that a ‘double engine’ government is formed here. Excerpts:
We are at the fag-end of the campaign, what is the assessment on the ground?
People of Telangana are in favour of the BJP. The Backward Classes and Dalits are never vocal in their choices and because of the support and love across the board, there is a silent revolution. Youth are simmering with anger over lack of jobs, and no section of society is happy under Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao. Telangana has witnessed rampant corruption and nepotism. This government has failed in every aspect and has been intolerably despotic. Therefore, the collective anger of the people, which is palpable on the ground, will transform into a positive vote for the BJP, and we will come to power.
What makes you confident of coming to power when the main fight seems to be between BRS and the Congress Party?
The manufactured perception that the main fight is between BRS and the Congress is a deliberate narrative being peddled by both parties. They are ideological journeymen, share the same DNA of family rule, corruption and minority appeasement. The public sees them both as one and the same and this has been validated by the revolving door politics since 2014 of the leaders and MLAs. In fact, both are hands in glove and have a tacit understanding. By pretending to be attacking each other, they actually want to sustain the false perception of being political rivals. They are, in fact, good friends. My confidence stems from a realistic assessment of the situation.
