Mr. Narasimha Reddy arrived at Palace of Jaipur at around 8:30 PM from Washington DC en-route to New York. TDF is very grateful to Mr. Reddy for accommodating our dinner invitation in-spite of his busy schedule. Madhu garu introduced Mr. Reddy to the group that had already assembled there by that time, but it seemed as though everyone knew Mr. Reddy beforehand. (Who can forget an MLA riding his Bullet motorcycle on Hyderabad streets? We can't think of any other politician who moves around so freely in the city.)

Mr. Narasimha Reddy gave an excellent recap of all the events that took place till the time TRS was formed. He clearly reiterated his party's stand and its one-point formula 'Separate Telangana'. He defended Mr. KCR's actions on pulling out TRS ministers from the state cabinet. "In many ways, the ministers themselves were powerless in the assembly and could not play an active role in decision making", he added. In response to a question on why Mr. KCR did not resign his cabinet position, he mentioned that Mr. KCR's decision to remain in Union Cabinet is very sound and he categorically stated that it is needed to keep pressure at that level. He said the credit for nation wide publicity of Telangana issue goes to Mr. KCR. He explained how Mr. KCR is working day and night for the cause and gave couple of instances where his presence in center has helped in getting easy access to Ms. Gandhi and other senior leaders. He gave an example on the type of dialogue Mr. KCR has with the central ministers and senior party leaders, which clearly highlights the kind of freedom he has at that level. "This is all possible because of his presence in Delhi", he added.

Responding to a question on the role of intelligentsia in TRS, he mentioned that Mr. KCR was in regular consultation with Prof. Jaishankar on all issues. Dispelling fears that naxals will take over if a separate state if formed, he cited an example on how to curtail the naxal activity. He mentioned, once Jagityal the hotbed of naxal activity has no naxal presence today because of increased irrigation facilities. He went further explaining some of his party's plans where land less poor will be given 3 acres of land each along with water facilities and active government mentoring for a whole year ensuring the total success in rehabilitating them. He said, "this will not just uproot the naxals from its roots, but will also develop the poor in achieving a sustainable livelihood".

Speaking on why students are kept away from active participation, he said one of the lessons learned from '69 agitation was not to get into violence as it would not lead anywhere. "With student participation, chances are things will get out of hand and may take a violent turn. Agitators will simply be thrown in jail or branded as naxals and shot", he said. He added that he was in jail for 18 months during the previous agitation.

Madhu garu briefed the audience on Mr. Reddy's humble political beginnings and how he grew into a popular socialist at a young age with his hard work and compassion for the underdog. When asked, Mr. Reddy talked about his association with the trade unions and how his mentor Mr. Badri Vishal Pitti brought him to the city and how he ended up contesting from Musheerabad. He mentioned how NTR enticed him with a ministry if he were to join TDP. Anyone who knows Mr. Reddy knows that he is a man of his word with unimpeachable political accomplishments in his constituency. He is one among a handful of MLA's who remained with JP until recently.

Mr Reddy explained his encounter with YSR, when the former said the now famous words "Andhra officerlantha Dongalu, Telangana officerlantha Daddammalu". He said, he was asked to retract his statement by YSR, but Mr. Reddy stood by his words. As you all know, this had caused uproar in assembly and a huge media item for days. Mr. Reddy mentioned that TRS was organizing a massive rally in Warangal this coming week and would wait for the UPA decision on the T-issue. If it is not in favor of Telangana then TRS would start an all out agitation against state and center. Earlier, when he was talking on the center's stand he said, "if Ms. Gandhi says 'Yes', T- state will form the next day". He also cleared many misconceptions as to what will happen to settlers from Andhra when Telangana is formed. He mentioned those who have come in search of livelihood and working for private companies would be unaffected. When Telangana is formed, the official infrastructure would split and some may leave the region, he added.

TDF Phildelphia Chapter coordinator Ravi spoke about TDF and talked on some of its activities. He mentioned the successful distribution and acceptance of buttons at meetings in Telangana to which Mr. Reddy added it would be a good idea to have a Telugu version of the button. One item that caught Mr. Reddy's attention was the discussion on the having our own cable TV channel. Madhu garu went ahead and suggested an informal business plan where investors would come forward and establish a TV channel and support it from here. This would be a for- profit venture funded by TNRIs. Mr. Reddy said that it is very essential for Telangana to have its own voice today and also once the state is formed.

Mr. Reddy was so impressed with the gatherings on his tour, he mentioned that he would like to talk to his party members and would like to come on a US tour to gather more support for the cause. He was very serious about his commitment to the cause and was overwhelmed at the TNRIs support for the same.

The dinner and discussions ended at around 11:00 PM. Mr. Reddy is on his way to New York.