The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Intellectuals will chart my course, says Devender Goud

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Saturday, Jun 28, 2008
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Intellectuals will chart my course, says Devender Goud

Suresh Krishnamoorthy

Goud declines to comment on tie-up with TRS
Clear about his stance on separate Telangana

HYDERABAD: Senior Telangana leader who recently parted ways with the Telugu Desam Party, T. Devender Goud said here on Friday that he had an open mind while going forward with his plans for a new political party.

Referring to the meeting of intellectuals he had convened at Pingle Venkatram Reddy hall here on Saturday, the said that that it was essentially meant to elicit opinion on the shape the proposed party should take and the future course of action. “I am seeking their wisdom to create a mass movement solely with the objective of achieving separate Telangana. I do not have either votes, the next elections or other narrow considerations in mind,” he said.

Asked whether he was happy with the public response to his political plans, Mr. Goud said it was better than what he had expected. To another question about the stature of leaders of different political parties who had joined hands with him, he simply said, “I am happy with the quality of people meeting me to express solidarity. I am not bothered about the numbers game and am only focussing on channelising a pro-Telangana wave.”

On new party

He declined to comment on reports about his proposal to forge a strategic partnership with the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS).

It may be recalled that Mr. Goud had categorically rejected any truck with the TRS but in interviews later, he said he had been misquoted and was actually not averse to an understanding with pro-Telangana forces.

He refused to discuss the possible name of his political outfit, its flag and other such details, saying nothing was firmed up yet.

The Telangana leader said in an oblique dig at Telugu Desam Party president N. Chandrababu Naidu, that his party would be democratic and would promote new leaders. “I am only looking to create a new platform to attract new leadership and a forum to motivate new thoughts on our journey to realise our goal,” Mr. Goud said.

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