Date:27/04/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/04/27/stories/2005042717390400.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Vijayashanti offers to quit post

Special Correspondent

Breathing defiance: Vijayashanti .

HYDERABAD: Film actress and BJP leader Vijayashanti offered to quit the national executive member's post if her comments on Telangana were objectionable to the party.

Talking to The Hindu from Chennai, she said that some party functionaries during the State office-bearers meeting yesterday had expressed reservations over her comments and wondered whether she was airing the views in her individual capacity or as a national executive member.

`No hesitation'

The BJP leader said she had no hesitation to resign as national executive member if her comments were objectionable to the party.

However, she said that the party was positive on the Telangana issue. It could not take any decision because of the alliance with the TDP.

The party has to decide whether to extend support to her struggle for Telangana. Asked if she planned to float a party, she said that her fight was not for votes or politics.

She indicated that her plans would change if the UPA's stand on Telangana turned "negative."

She was adopting a "wait and watch policy" since the UPA had appointed a sub-committee. Besides, she claimed that the Union Minister, A.Narendra, had assured her that Telangana would be formed soon.

She also quoted him as saying that the TRS would quit the UPA Government if Telangana was not conceded.