 "Vivekanand quits TRS, returns to Cong")
Betrayed over TRS refusal to merge with Congress, party MP Vivekanand today quit the regional party in Telangana and joined Congress, saying there was mounting pressure on him to return to the national party, from which he had resigned last year.
"Pressure is within me. Pressure is from the top saying that you have given a word. When I left, I gave a word that I will come back to Congress after Telangana is given. It has been given, so I am going back," said the Lok Sabha MP from Peddapalle (Reserved) constituency.
He met AICC chief Sonia Gandhi today and assured her that he would strive hard to ensure that Congress comes out in flying colours in the newly carved out state.
"She warmly welcomed us into the party. And we assured her that we will strive hard to bring back Congress into the front stage of Telangana because only Congress can develop Telangana," he stated.
Vivekanand had resigned from Congress on June 2, 2013 and switched over to the TRS led by K Chandrasekhar Rao. A close confidant of Rao in Delhi, he had accompanied the TRS chief during his meetings with various political leaders in the run up to the passing of Telangana Bill in Parliament.
Clearing the air over difference of opinion between him and the TRS supremo over his decision to return to his parent party, Vivekanand claimed there was no misunderstanding between the duo.
"I never had any misunderstanding with Rao...I did tell him (Rao) that I am feeling guilty that I have not yet gone back (returning to Congress)," Vivekanand said, adding he had expected that the two parties would merge or clinch an alliance.
Asked about the reasons for breakup in talks between the two parties, he observed that a few issues such as seat and power sharing could not be amicably settled.
Meanwhile, Congress general secretary Janardan Dwivedi today said Gandhi has approved the admission of former Minister Rajpal Tyagi in Uttar Pradesh along with his son Ajit Pai Tyagi into the party.
Tyagi, a former Congress leader, was a six time MLA, who was elected as an Independent twice from Muradnagar in Ghaziabad.
"Pressure is within me. Pressure is from the top saying that you have given a word. When I left, I gave a word that I will come back to Congress after Telangana is given. It has been given, so I am going back," said the Lok Sabha MP from Peddapalle (Reserved) constituency.
He met AICC chief Sonia Gandhi today and assured her that he would strive hard to ensure that Congress comes out in flying colours in the newly carved out state.
"She warmly welcomed us into the party. And we assured her that we will strive hard to bring back Congress into the front stage of Telangana because only Congress can develop Telangana," he stated.
Vivekanand had resigned from Congress on June 2, 2013 and switched over to the TRS led by K Chandrasekhar Rao. A close confidant of Rao in Delhi, he had accompanied the TRS chief during his meetings with various political leaders in the run up to the passing of Telangana Bill in Parliament.
Clearing the air over difference of opinion between him and the TRS supremo over his decision to return to his parent party, Vivekanand claimed there was no misunderstanding between the duo.
"I never had any misunderstanding with Rao...I did tell him (Rao) that I am feeling guilty that I have not yet gone back (returning to Congress)," Vivekanand said, adding he had expected that the two parties would merge or clinch an alliance.
Asked about the reasons for breakup in talks between the two parties, he observed that a few issues such as seat and power sharing could not be amicably settled.
Meanwhile, Congress general secretary Janardan Dwivedi today said Gandhi has approved the admission of former Minister Rajpal Tyagi in Uttar Pradesh along with his son Ajit Pai Tyagi into the party.
Tyagi, a former Congress leader, was a six time MLA, who was elected as an Independent twice from Muradnagar in Ghaziabad.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
SAVE 25%
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Subscribe
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
SAVE 25%