Three days after Parliament nod to Telangana, TRS chief K Chandrasekhar Rao on Sunday called on Congress president Sonia Gandhi and thanked her for making the dream of Telangana people reality. Accompanying him were his wife, son, daughter, nephew and others. The meeting lasted for about 10 minutes.
Speaking to the media, Rao said, “I met the AICC president only to thank her for delivering Telangana. The dream of Telangana has become reality only due to her initiative.” He submitted a memorandum to the UPA chairperson requesting her to grant a special financial package for Telangana. “I have submitted a report to Sonia Gandhi. She has assured me she will address our concerns after discussing them with the PM,” he said. The meeting assumes significance as it came amid speculation about the possible merger of TRS with Congress. However, KCR was tight-lipped on it. “My meeting with Sonia is totally apolitical. I will discuss political issues with the AICC State affairs incharge Digvijaya Singh,” he said. Later, KCR and MP K Keshava Rao met Digvijaya.
Sources said KCR told Sonia not to press for a party merger right now. “We will always be thankful to you. I will stand by the Congress in the ensuing polls. But it should be done in such a manner that the Congress and TRS maximise political gains consequent upon creation of the T state,” KCR is understood to have told her. The Congress leadership, sources said, found merit in his argument but seems to be still in favour of a merger.
A final call on the issue will be taken after further talks. KCR said he would meet Sonia again. “I will be in Delhi for a few more days,” he added. After meeting Sonia, KCR said that if the TRS merged with the Congress or forged an alliance much before the polls, it would open up political space for the TDP-BJP combine in the region.
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