Interview with Gadar about Telangana

Famous balladeer Gadar gave an interview with a local TV News channel recently. He spoke extensively about Telangana and his interactions with various party leaders in Andhra Pradesh about this issue. Here is an excerpt from the interview.

Question: What do you think are the major issues in Telangana in the present day.
Gadar: Some of the major issues are lack of self respect, social justice, improper allocation of natural resources to the region, and social, cultural, political and economic differences of the region when compared to other regions in Andhra Pradesh.

Question: Your own contribution for the emancipation of this region is well-known. In what other ways are you working towards this goal?
Gadar: You are right, my own struggle is selfless, neutral and pro-poor. I sing for the poor even with bullets in my body. I participate in almost all programs where I am invited for a good cause. I have no resistance or no opposition when I want to meet any big leader in any party to have my word with them. My struggle is focused, devoted, and disciplined. (He goes into a ballad impromptu...)

Question: It seems you interacted with Chiranjeevi recently, what was the discussion all about. How did Chiru react to a separate Telangana?
Gadar: I know Chiru, Pawan personally and had met them as Artist meeting another artist all these days. But this meeting was different. I am meeting a leader now. Chiru showed maturity and underestanding. He is like a plain paper on which he wants people to write their problems. People are welcoming him and I could see that change in the Actor-turned-politician. The discussion was mainly about Telangana. I briefed him about the problem faced by the people in the Telangana region. I told him what people expect from him. I also advised him on best practices he could follow when he speaks in this region in phase 2 of his Praja Ankita Yatra.


Question: What about your discussions with NTPP Devendar Goud.
Gadar: I advised him to dedicate himself for the cause. I told him not to look at seat-sharing and other such politically motivated actions but to spead awareness and reach more and more people and be committed to the cause.


Question: Whats your opinion about KCR and TRS after all these four and half years of their stuggle?
Gadar: You see, it is not enough to tie up with a party just for political gain and wait for things to happen. Sooner than later, people will understand the commitment shown. It was clear when TRS kept losing their ground in Telangana repeatedly in the last four and a half years. They ought do be doing more. They ought to restore faith in people about their party and their commitments.

Question: How about TDP and BJP?
Gadar: They have just recently declared their support for this cause. We are yet to see if they will display any acts of commitment and dedication. There is more time needed to judge their stand.

Question: Finally, do you foresee Telangana coming in the next few years under the leadership of one or the other party?
Gadar: Starting from 1952, we have a serious and a strong case for a separate Telangana and the strength of the case, I am afraid, has not reduced in these many years even after several governments have ruled the state. At any given point in time, a case against giving Telangana was never clearly stated. There is a need for them to do this first and put it face to face with the case for a separate Telangana. Only then a convincing arguement for Telangana will come through and a separate state will be formed. With years passing, the movement for this is becoming strong, it is only time that it will erupt into a mass movement. At that time no one can stop it from happening with or without party approval. I am hopeful that leaders realize the importance of people before people force them to do it.