Telugu Mahila president Roja's journey from being a glamour doll on celluloid to a fiery politician on the country roads was not a cakewalk. After her campaign at many poverty-stricken villages, a weather-beaten actress spoke to Deccan Post. Excerpts:You have been actively campaigning in rural areas. Do you think the emergence of new outfits and parties has affected Telugu Desam's poll prospects?
See, what you often see in the media is not reality. Being an active politician, I go to the masses. I know their pulse while trying to study their issues. Neither the TDP nor its president Chandrababu Naidu is going to be affected with the new development. I get support from more and more people each time I visit their villages across the State.
More and more film actors take to politics, the latest being Jayasudha.
Film actors usually enter into politics for reasons best known to them and you. I don't want to comment on such entries because it doesn't worth it. They have their own vested interests. How can we expect the film stars who are accustomed to luxuries go out in the blazing son and serve the public? Even Chiranjeevi seems to be very tired with his road show. It seems he will soon stop his political drama and go back home. ?
You also were an actress.
I didn't join politics for any position or personal benefit. In fact, my tryst with politics began when my father's friend was contesting an election. I wanted to campaign for him in the elections. But once I was out there with the public, I realised the problems faced by common people. Then I decided to work actively. Instead of taking up a key position in the party, I started learning how an actual politician should work for the society. And I still go out to the public and take up issues instead of sitting idle within the comfort of the office. ? You are undoubtedly the most active woman politician in the State today, taking up issues and fighting for the welfare of people.
Haven't you faced any problem in male-dominated politics?
Why not? Men generally don't like women in politics. They feel that it's their dominion. Apparently, many eyebrows rose when I plunged into active politics.
They say you have more enemies within your party than outside.
Well, not exactly. I don't have enemies as such. Perhaps, yes, there are jealous people around. They were there when I was in films too. Once a blue film cassette of a woman slightly resembling me was sent to the TDP office and there were concentrated efforts to malign my name. Our leader Chandrababu Naidu understood the reality. If it was an action meant to smear me in public the cassette might have gone to the media and the public. I know about myself. I don't care what gossipmongers and jealous lots say. I know my people. And people know me.
Do you think Chiranjeevi's entry will change the political equations in the State?
Sure, it will. But it doesn't mean that Chiranjeevi will bag several seats and will come to power. He may be able to split votes causing the State to have a hung Assembly. He is our good family friend. What he is doing is not exactly meant to serve the people as he claims. Splitting the votes will result in political chaos and in the process, the actual issues faced by people will be forgotten.
Did you get any invitation from to join Praja Rajyam?
Not really. He knows that I'm a committed politician. So, no one invited me. Chandrababu Naidu is a seasoned politician and my leader. Everyone knows that. ?
Will you contest the next Assembly elections?
Yes, I will. There is utmost happiness and satisfaction when you are voted by the people to represent them in the House. More over, you can bring in their issues to the government once you are an elected representative.
What do you think will be TDP's state after the elections?
Our party, under the undisputed leadership of Chandrababu Naidu, will sure be voted to power. And he will be our next Chief Minister. No doubts.
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