CM KCR's federal front agenda likely in 15 days

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao reiterated that he was committed to a non-Congress, non-BJP government headed by the regional parties at the Centre.

He said efforts to build consensus for the proposed Federal Front had gained momentum, but he was in no hurry as the formation of Federal Front was a long process.

He stated that the agenda for the Federal Front was being prepared in consultation with experts, and the proposal for changing economic as well as agricultural policies of the country was just a tip of an iceberg.

“We might come up with an agenda in another 15 days. We are meeting several experts from different sectors to prepare the agenda. The country needs new economic and agricultural models as the present system will not work any longer,” he added.

The Chief Minister stated that empowerment of the States would be an integral and important part of the agenda for the Federal Front. He emphasised the need for Constitutional amendments, providing more powers to the States with regard to judiciary, administration and legislative affairs. “I am not here for petty politics but want people of the country to benefit ultimately. Rythu Bandhu is the best example of our vision. Besides several State governments, the Central government is also contemplating implementing the scheme,” he said.

Rao declared that he was not pursuing the idea of Federal Front for personal or political gains like Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. He also stated the Federal Front was not aimed at Parliamentary elections, and he would continue to pursue the proposal even after the polls. He hoped to achieve something before the Lok Sabha elections. He pointed out that though Reserve Bank of India had close to Rs 10 lakh crore reserves and another Rs 11 lakh crore was lying idle with the Maharatna companies of the country, the Central government was unable to use the money for the nation’s development.

When asked about the progress of the Federal Front, the Chief Minister said that he was in touch with many senior politicians such as Sitaram Yechury, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and other Left leaders. He said leaders of other regional parties were also constantly speaking to him on several occasions. “I am going to meet all in a phased manner. Everyone who matters is welcome to join us,” he said. He stated that he was not looking for any assurances from anyone as he was only floating an idea that could be beneficial to people. Responding to a question if he will join hands with Naidu, he said he did not want useless leaders and pointed out that there were other regional parties in Andhra Pradesh.

With regard to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s response to 16-point representation seeking redressal of pending issues, the Chief Minister said though NITI Aayog recommended a sanction of Rs 24,000 crore to Mission Bhagiratha, the Central government did not sanction a paise. He hoped that Modi had learnt lessons from the recent defeat of the BJP in the recent Assembly polls. He said Modi had already promised to sanction 21 Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) to newly constituted districts.

Further, Rao said the State government would approach the Supreme Court challenging the removal of Parliamentary Secretaries appointed by it. He felt that it was an important system to groom young politicians to become able legislators and said necessary changes would be made to the existing Act after studying the systems being followed in other States.