KCR: Embodiment of civility, statesmanship

When Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao greeted and congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the eve of laying foundation stone for the Central Vista project, several eyebrows were raised over the CM's pleasant gesture. There was a mixed opinion across the nation. The CM's greetings were sent on the back of the TRS supporting the farmers' agitation for the repeal of the Central government's three new farm laws.

In a vibrant parliamentary democracy like that of India, the relationship between the Prime Minister and the Chief Ministers shall be based on the spirit of cooperative federalism. A statesmanlike political leader, that too of the stature of Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao, naturally adheres to it in true letter and spirit. When it comes to extend support he does so, and, if it has to be differed, he does not hesitate. And that's the spirit.

Democracy presupposes that differences are to be on issue based. If certain policies initiated by the Centre are in good faith and for the welfare of a major section of the society, then one should support them. This is precisely the reason why Chandrashekar Rao supported policies like the formation of NITI Ayog, GST, demonetisation, Pulwama issue etc. Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao supported the GST hoping that it would help the State and the State would largely benefit.

However, when the Centre failed to keep up its word in GST releases Chandrashekar Rao took objection and wrote to Modi objecting to it. He brought to the notice of the Prime Minister his concern regarding the modalities for meeting the shortfall in the GST compensation payable by the Centre to the States. The Chief Minister unhesitatingly emphasised the need to strengthen cooperative federalism so that the country can emerge as a strong nation.

But when it came to certain policies like the farm Bills, Chandrashekar Rao opposed it tooth and nail. Chandrashekar Rao is one such leader who always had clarity on the issues. He has very strong and firm views in opposing certain economic and fiscal policies of the Modi government. Despite differences on certain issues, K Chandrashekar Rao never indulged in any personal attack on the PM or any other leader. He maintains this dignity till date despite the fact that the local BJP leadership used abusive language against him.

Chandrashekar Rao, as is his wont, will not politicise each and every action of the Centre for the mere sake of opposing it, as he is firm believer of the true federal spirit. Our country, despite its divergent cultures, traditions, communities and beliefs are able to stay as a vibrant democracy due to the innate spirit of cooperative federalism. This does not mean that Chandrashekar Rao will support each and every policy of the Centre.

Chandrashekar Rao will not hesitate for a minute to oppose any policy of the Centre that may be against the interests of the people, even if they are once supported by him. This idea of judging the issue on its merit is the beauty of parliamentary democracy. Chandrashekar Rao also upholds the Raj Dharma of keeping the welfare and interests of the State and country on the top of his agenda. On many occasions, Chandrashekar Rao vehemently opposed and criticised the Centre.

For instance, in April 2017, when the BC, SC and ST Reservation of Seats Bill was passed in the Telangana State Legislative Assembly and Council, during his interventions in the Assembly debate, the Chief Minister has categorically said that, "I am not going to beg! I am going to fight! I will mention it in the NITI Aayog meeting. I will approach the apex court if needed."

The Chief Minister then said that the Centre should also allow the States to take decisions on certain important policy matters like the reservations based on each State's requirement and population as well as other ground realities.

Chandrashekar Rao, however, on international platforms, was very cautious and patriotic in projecting India as one team. For instance, while participating in the world economic meet in China five years ago, he strongly defended the federal structure of India. He said that in India, States have a major role to play and realising this aspect, the Modi government of India has delegated more powers and funds to the States. In place of the earlier Planning Commission an organisation called NITI Ayog consisting of Chief Ministers of all the States with Prime Minister as its Chairman has come into existence referred as Team India, said Chandrashekar Rao.

Chandrashekar Rao while participating in a discussion on minorities' welfare in the Legislative Assembly once, however, reiterated that it was time the Centre reviewed its stand on accommodating States' requirements. He said that for taking forward the country in an integrated manner, the government of India must transfer to the States several of the schemes and subjects that are under its hold. Peoples' desires, ambitions and demands are on the increase and, therefore, he called for more decentralisation. Keeping in view the social backwardness, the percentage of reservations in the State to minorities, STs and SCs must be enhanced, he said.

Chandrashekar Rao has made it categorical that the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) will be opposed tooth and nail, and the Telangana Assembly will pass a resolution against it. The Chief Minister urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to rethink on the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), saying that it was "not at all good for the country". The Assembly ultimately did pass such a resolution opposing CAA.

However, during corona pandemic Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao supported Modi's certain initiatives. He asked people to express solidarity with Prime Minister Narendra Modi who gave the call for the programme as many countries which did not take such steps against coronavirus suffered. Saying that it was unfortunate that some people made fun of the initiative of Modi on social media asked the police to take action against them.

Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao moved a resolution in the Legislative Assembly on Pulwama attack issue. Describing the attack on Jawans as dastardly one, he said everyone felt that it was not an attack on individuals but on the entire nation. It was time to send a strong message to those safeguarding the country that entire nation was with them. That was the support he extended to Modi when it was needed.

It is in this spirit that Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao congratulated Prime Minister Modi on the eve of laying foundation stone for the prestigious Central Vista project. It is in this spirit that one should understand Chandrashekar Rao pleasant gesture without ascribing any politics to it. Only a true believer in democracy, federal spirit and parliamentary form of democracy can understand this.

The above-mentioned occurrences amply prove that KCR is not like any other run of the mill political leader. He has a clear vision for the State and the nation. He understands the Centre-State relations and the spirit of cooperative federalism in a much better way and with lot of clarity.

An average political leader cannot apprehend this. Due to this exemplary vision and mission, Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao had been able to initiate, define, design and deliver several targets for the State. As a true Leader, he knows when to toughen his stand, when to be flexible and when to act for the overall welfare of people in the State. In other words, he will not be rigid when it comes to doing good for the people. For people's welfare, he will not mind walking an extra mile! Thus far and no further!

(The writer is Chief PRO to the Chief Minister of Telangana. With inputs from senior journalist VJM Divakar)