Kodand all set to play new innings 24x7

TO HANG UP TJAC GLOVES TODAY

The Telangana JAC chairman Prof. Kodandaram will be retiring on September 30. From here on, he will be devoting full time to ensure that Telangana progresses on development path. In an exclusive interview to Mahesh Avadhutha, the Professor gave his impressions on the functioning of the government, TJAC role and his future action plan.

What do you have to say about government decisions on cheap liquor, demolition of heritage sites, houses for poor on OU lands? Also, there is discontent among few sections over delay in implementation of KG to PG scheme, 3-acre free land distribution not taking off as expected?

Except for shifting of Secretariat to Chest Hospital premises, all others were statements and not policy decisions. The government did not take concrete steps to implement them. However, there was a public furore which compelled the government to rethink on its plans. It is good that the government is modifying its decisions based on majority sentiment. It augurs well for the democracy.

There is a general feeling that TJAC is unable to play a watchdog role as thought earlier and is adopting a soft attitude towards the government? It is not true. TJAC is giving its reactions issue-wise. We lauded the government for Mission Kakatiya and even took part in programme. At the same time, TJAC echoed public sentiments on many issues like demolition of OU hospital, utilisation of OU lands for housing among others. Even on spate of farmers’ suicides, TJAC stated that the government needed to put in extra efforts to instil confidence amongst the agriculture community.

What is the future of JAC since key members who played active role during agitation shifted to politics, while some were co-opted into the government? Few members opted for political career and TJAC did not find fault with their individual decisions. Few organisations are showing interest to be part of TJAC. Already contract employees JAC and a few teacher organisations were inducted in view of their state-wide presence.

There is a general perception in public about strained relations between Kodandaram and K Chandrashekar Rao. You both worked together for achieving goal of Telangana State. Why the co-ordination, that was seen earlier, is missing now? During agitation period, it was necessary that everyone stood and worked together. Now after achieving the objective, the TRS, as a political party, has its own agenda. On the other hand, as a people’s organisation, TJAC has its own set of priorities which is to echo sentiments of the public, fight and highlight their issues and oppose any anti-people policies. However, there is no confrontationist attitude between TJAC and government as being projected in the media.

There is also talk that KCR was miffed with you for tilting towards the Congress party before 2014 general elections and hence the decision to keep TJAC at a distance. There were lot of issues relating to bifurcation that needed to be sorted out even after passage of the bill. Not only the Congress-led UPA, we were in touch with even BJP seeking their support to ensure all formalities related to bifurcation completed by appointed day. During agitation period, it was necessary to get all parties on board to realise the goal of Telangana State and TJAC functioned accordingly. Rumours did rounds that both the Congress and the BJP wooed you to join their party.

There was also speculation about you floating a new party? I clarified on this on several occasions. There is nothing new to add. You are retiring on September 30. Is there any chance for a political career at this juncture? Post retirement, I will like to voice, 24x7, people’s issues and finding ways to resolve them on the road to Bangaru Telangana. There is no ambition for a political switch at this time of my life. Remember, I was offered MP ticket in 2014 general elections, but I refused it.

Many found fault with ruling party for inducting Congress and TDP leaders, who never spoke or stood for Telangana. TJAC had campaigned against them during by-elections. What is your view? It is their prerogative whom to induct into the party. However, the goal of reconstruction of Telangana will be affected if leaders do not have a strong commitment for the same.

How many marks per hundred will you give to KCR and Narendra Modi based on their performance in the last 15 months? TRS included schemes like KG to PG in its manifesto which are strategically good. While farming community has high hopes on State government to bail out them of crisis situations, youth are looking up to government for employment and lead a good life after taking part proactively in statehood fight.

Also the small and medium scale enterprises like yarn and textile units, khadi industry have high hopes on the government giving top priority to industry sector. People of Telangana are hoping that government functions accordingly. On the other hand, Centre is quick in addressing needs of Andhra Pradesh, may be due to its electoral alliance with TDP. However, the same zeal is not seen when it comes to Telangana.

Several issues concerning the State have been kept in cold storage for months together. There is a talk about dearth of books on Telangana history. Do you like to contribute? I wish to pen a book on Telangana history including 1969 agitation and the different forms in which the sentiment was reflected right until 1990s when it was upped again. It hit full steam after K Chandrashekar Rao formed TRS in 2001 and remained high that until creation of Telangana state in 2014. The book would cover all of these.