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The Rediff Interview/Dasari Narayana Rao

'How can you call the BJP a communal party?'

Noted film-maker Dasari Narayana Rao took a plunge into politics at the weekend, when he formed the Telugu Talli party.

Known to be nurturing political ambitions for a long time, Dasari campaigned for Congress candidates in the 1989 assembly elections.

With the Congress refusing to nominate him to the Rajya Sabha, Dasari was soon disillusioned with the party. He cribbed and sulked for years, hoping that the Congress would change its mind and reciprocate his gesture.

As that did not happen, Dasari has finally decided to form his own party. He said he is willing to take a break from films to serve the people.

Belonging to the dominant Kapu community of coastal Andhra Pradesh, Dasari is banking heavily on his community.

In an exclusive interview to M S Shanker, Dasari outlines his future plans. Excerpts:

What prompted you to form the party?

I had no inclination to form the party. But it was the will of the people that prevailed upon me.

After I addressed a backward class rally at Suryapet (Nalgonda district) recently, the 200,000-strong audience demanded that I form a regional party. Later, after holding discussions with my well-wishers, I decided to float the party.

Could you spell out your party's objectives and policies? Will your party contest the ensuing Lok Sabha polls?

My party will contest the Lok Sabha polls and ensure that due representation is given to backward communities.

My party will strive for the upliftment of the weaker sections which have been denied power by the upper castes. The upper castes have been ruling the majority for ages. Our effort is to reverse this trend.

Many parties have been promising the moon. Do you think the people will buy your promises?

Our perception is different. We are confident that the people will believe us.

We don't want to whip up caste passions. Our party promises social justice by promising to field backward class nominees in the election. This will enable them to share power.

Your have been associated with the Congress for a long time, and have campaigned for the party in the 1989 assembly elections. Was it true that you have decided to form the party after the Congress failed to nominate you to the Rajya Sabha?

Let me make it clear that I have campaigned for the Congress at the instance of late former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi. I had great fascination for him. That was an emotional decision.... There is no truth in the allegations. As I have explained, my decision was sparked by the will of the people.

Did any party approach you, trying to strike an electoral alliance with the Telugu Talli? Or, are you seeking support from any national party?

As of now, we would like to go it alone. After the party is formally formed on January 6, 1998, however, the new executive will sit and discuss the poll strategy.

Is it true that you are aligning with the Bharatiya Janata Party?

No, it is not true.

Is there any possibility of having a truck with the BJP?

Better wait and see.

Do you consider the BJP a communal party?

How can you call the BJP a communal party? The Indian electorate has sent more than 180 BJP MPs to the Lok Sabha in the last elections. We must leave the decision to the electorate.

So, your party is likely to have an alliance with the BJP?

I didn't say that.

But your ambiguous reply says so.

(Smiles.)

Are you going to contest?

No, I will not. I shall contest only assembly polls.

Do you consider Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu corrupt?

I shall speak my mind out only at the January 6 public meeting. You will soon know what I have to say about Naidu, his party and the state government.

Will Mohan Babu join your party?

Better ask him.

The Rediff Interview