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Giant-killer

Former MP Chennupati Vidya shares the most dramatic and unforgettable moments of her life

SOURCE OF INSPIRATION (from right) Indira Gandhi, social worker from Gujarat Harivallabh Pharic and Chennupati Vidya

It was the second week of December 1979. I was fast asleep and the telephone rang around 2 a.m. Even as I tried to identify the midnight caller, an excited PTI correspondent Krishna Murthy greeted me with congratulations. He then informed me that the Congress high command had selected me as the party candidate for Vijayawada Lok Sabha constituency.

Reminding him that I had not even asked for the party ticket, I brushed it aside as his wild imagination. He tried in vain to make me believe but I hung up the phone advising him not to lose sleep over such silly matters. But the words kept ringing in my mind and I woke up my husband Seshagiri Rao to share the news with him. Just as we wondered as to what prompted Krishnamurthy to make the call, the phone rang again. A male voice said in Hindi that the call was from Delhi and that Indira Gandhi wanted to talk to me. I was dumbfounded and my hands began to tremble. It was hard to believe Indiraji telling me: "We have decided to field you from Vijayawada Parliament constituency. We need social workers like you."

As I tried to meekly mumble about my predicament on whether I would fit into the highest law-making body in the country, Indiraji cut me short and said: "You are the perfect choice. File your nomination day after tomorrow. I will come to Vijayawada in three days and we will discuss all other issues."

Indiraji was not in power then. But our family always held her in high esteem for her steely resolve and the manner in which she overcame many hurdles in her life. Though unsure about myself, I knew there was no way I could go against her wish.

I shared my doubts with P.V. Narasimha Rao garu, who assured me that I would win the elections. Having worked as Mahila Congress worker in various capacities, I had built up good rapport with party leaders in the district. Indiraji came to Vijayawada to address a public meeting in PWD Grounds. At 4 a.m., she called me in her room and thrusted a bunch of telegrams into my hand, "I was flooded with these letters which say that you are an atheist and that you don't believe in caste or religion. But I need people with a secular outlook. Don't worry. People are with us," she said and gave me a warm hug. It was a rare moment and I would cherish it all through my life. The public meeting was a run-away success. Indiraji introduced me as a social worker and daughter of Gora who worked as secretary in the AICC. Her words filled me with a renewed hope. During the campaign, women came to me and said they were eager to see Indiraji as Prime Minister once again. My political rival, Dr. K.L. Rao (Janata Party) was my guru. I held him in high esteem for the good work he had done for the constituency. There was no slinging of mud on the opposition leaders and l candidates spoke only about their achievements.

The election on January 6, 1980 was peaceful and the Congress swept the elections in all the seven Assembly segments in the Lok Sabha constituency. I won with a majority of over 1 lakh votes over Dr. Rao. He congratulated me and asked me to complete the works he had initiated.

I went to Delhi and the affection with which Indiraji received me is still etched in my memory. I thanked her for her support. She is truly a role model and will be remembered for generations to come.

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