Vijayashanti dismisses reports on leaving TRS

May 23, 2009 : The Telangana Rashtra Samiti MP and actor-turned-politician, Ms Vijayashanti, dismissed reports that she was planning to leave the party along with a group of MLAs.
“A section of the media is behaving like terrorists. They come with mikes and almost insist that we are quitting the party. It’s absurd and unethical,” she fumed. She later retracted her statement and said she did not intend to hurt the media but only expressed her disappointment.

Vijayashanti said she and 10 other MLAs were in the party and they would strive to achieve a separate Telangana. “People gave a verdict in favour of the Congress and we abide by it. However, our goal of separate Telangana will continue,” she added.

In the wake of a imminent split in the party and formation of a new T-outfit by party MLC, Mr Dileep Kumar, the TRS chief, Mr K. Chandrasekhar Rao, called for a meeting of the newly elected MLAs and MP.

Apart from Vijayashanti, Mr Etala Rajender, Mr T. Harish Rao, Mr K.T. Rama Rao, Mr Ravinder Reddy and others attended the meeting. The TRS chief reportedly told the MLAs that the party suffered a temporary setback and promised that it would be rejuvenated to achieve Telangana.

He requested them not to get tempted by offers made by the Congress and strive for a separate state. He asked them to advise him on any matter they wish to strengthen the party.

The TRS floor leader in the Assembly, Mr Rajender warned of stringent action against a vernacular daily for spreading rumours against the TRS, including a split in the party.

The TRS leader dismissed allegations of former MP, Mr Ravindra Naik, and pointed out that those who broke the party and joined the Congress failed to win barring one candidate.
Referring to Mr Dileep Kumar’s proposal to float a new outfit, he said though he was denied an Assembly ticket in 2004, Mr Chandrasekhar Rao gave him key posts and finally made him an MLC. “Some disgruntled elements are trying to destroy the Telangana movement. They will not succeed,” he asserted.
Meanwhile, a rebel TRS leader, Mr Mahender Reddy, demanded the resignation of the TRS chief, Mr K. Chandrasekhar Rao, and son Mr K.T, Rama Rao, for the debacle of the party.