Vijayashanthi dares KCR for a fight in Medak

The actress who is nicknamed “Lady Amitabh “ and recognised as “Ramulamma” is gearing up to contest against KCR from Medak. Some 28 years in the film industry and 16 years in politics, Vijayashanthi, a sitting MP from Medak, believes her life is a struggle. The actress, who has worked in more than 150 Telugu, Tamil, Hindi and Kannada films, has an awesome track record. A champion of Telangana movement, Vijayashanthi is progressive on most social issues. A fighter by nature, she has a quick wit. She is fearless, and would not necessarily lose a political fight if she got into one, which she is about to do.

Vijayashanthi talks to Lata Jain

You joined the BJP and quit, and now you quit the TRS to join Congress. Why?

I was the national general secretary of the BJP's women wing, I quit the party in 2005 to float a separate outfit to fight for statehood for Telangana. I started my own party Talli Telangana Party. On the request of KCR, I merged this with the TRS in 2009. We promised we will merge with the Congress once a separate Telanagan is carved. The Congress gave us full support on this issue. It stood by its commitment; I am fulfilling mine.

Were there any differences with the BJP?

No, my heart was in Telangana and at that time the BJP was not clear about its stand on a separate Telangana.

You quit the TRS to join the Congress? Is it because you wanted to contest from Medak constituency?

There is no doubt I have worked relentlessly for the growth of Medak, some of my projects are still in the last stages, this can be considered as one of the reasons. But the Congress stood by its commitment and I was fulfilling my duty towards the party.

Is it true that you were asked to discuss merger of the TRS with the Congress?

It’s not true. I have been expelled from the party. Then why will I negotiate?

Why is Medak so important, there are so many other constituencies and you can do a better work there?

People of Medak know my work. I have unfulfilled promises and need to keep up my commitment. Having joined the Congress, Medak is a prestige issue. Medak has a huge emotional connect with the Gandhi-Nehru family. When Indira Gandhi returned to power with a thumping majority after the post-Emergency Janata experiment failed, she had chosen to contest from two constituencies, her old Rae Bareilly in UP and Medak in Andhra Pradesh. She won hands down from both the constituencies.

Will you contest from Medak against KCR?

If the high command wants me to.

You think you can win against KCR who has gained a solid grip in Telangana?

My good work and the belief of my people will help me.

It looks like you are determined?

I have never been afraid of challenges and this is hardly any challenge.

What if you lose against KCR in Medak?

You can’t win if you start with a thought of losing. I shall win.

People in Telangana feel you backstabbed TRS?

Why? Who helped us get the Telanagana state, was it not the Congress ? Did not KCR promise a merger after a seprate Telangana was carved.out. But for the Congress support we would not have been able to fulfill this dream. Who has betrayed and who has backstabbed? People understand.

Do you use your reel life characters in your real life and get into trouble (like the remarks made on july 27th,”slay anybody who opposes Telangana” and you were jailed).

It is not so. I am balanced and know when to speak and what. People do recognLse me as “lady Amitabh” and “Ramulamma” but you think I can use these stunts? While giving speeches maybe once in a while we use those punchlines from the movie when public demands or is enthusiaistic. But both are two different roles and politics in not a three- hour entertainment.

What are the projects you took up for medak constiuuincy?

I have taken the initiative to develop the Mallannaceruvu tank bund in my constituency and completion of the hospital building at Patancheru, which has been held up for want of funds to the tune of Rs`2 crore. I have donated Rs 1 crore from our development fund to utilise the amount for the construction of the railway line between Medak and Akkannapalle. The 17-km track would cost Rs 140 crore, to be borne equally by the Centre and the state.

Have you left the film industry for good?

I do wish to act but find no time. It has been a long journey. I started acting at the age of 13 and I have invested 28years in acting. But now I am so busy with my interest in public welfare that I get no time.

Will you retire from politics if at all you do not get a chance to contest from the constituency of your choice?

I do not think negative, am very positive about my winning this elections. I will not retire. I have a lot to do for my people.

What are your future plans if you win?

I struggled for 16years, battled it, got into jail for Telangana. It is a dream come true and now I will strive for all-round growth in Telanagana region and help uplift the poor and the downtrodden.

TRS has promised jobs, education for all? Do you think giving so many jobs is easy. Don’t you think we will remain backward for years to come?

I do not want to comment on what TRS has promised. Growth depends on individual leader’s interest in the public.Telangana can grow provided we strive for it.

But you were a part of the promises when you were with the TRS?.

What I promised as an individual or to my constuiency I shall surely fulfill. I am a very determined lady. I have come up with a lot of struggle in life. Since I am not a part of the TRS, I can’t comment on their promises.

Who was your biggest support to bring you into films and politics?

Unfortunately, I have no godfather. At the age of 13 years my father introduced me to the world of films and he died when I was 14. .One year later my mother died. .I struggled to come up in life, but I had the public support. I had no guidance in politics initially, but the roles I played in the industry had a deep impact on the people. They knew I spoke from my heart and did good to the people. That is how I succeeded in politics. When you do good work you are recognised.

28years in film industry and 16 years in politics; what are the experiences?

Great and successful. I succeeded though I had to struggle. Looks like I am born to struggle in my life and for my people. I like taking challenges. Both industries, film and politics, have their own problems. One has to maintain the image of a heroine in the film industry. Spectators get bored if you don’t maintain. In politics it is struggle and you have to keep fighting for your people’s rights.

You have seen success and wealth, generally the two things people crave for. Any dream which has remained unfulfilled?

I want to die working for my people. I have earned for my satisfaction and, whatever I can, I want to spend it for public welfare. I want to live by the principles of my father -- never spread your hand, do not take failures easily and stand on your own feet.