For Vijayashanti, entry into Telangana Legislative Council is a culmination of a journey from reel to real, blending her cinematic legacy with legislative responsibility

metro india news  I hyderabad

The political landscape of Telangana witnessed a significant development as renowned actress-turned-politician Vijayashanti secured a seat in the Telangana Legislative Council. Representing the Indian National Congress (INC), her nomination alongside fellow party leaders Addanki Dayakar and Shankar Naik marks a strategic move by the Congress to bolster its presence in the state’s upper house. This development not only underscores Vijayashanti’s enduring influence in both cinema and politics but also highlights the party’s efforts to blend experience, grassroots leadership, and regional appeal in its political lineup.

 Vijayashanti: From Silver Screen to Political Arena

Vijayashanti, often hailed as the "Lady Superstar" of Telugu cinema, has been a household name in South India for decades. With a career spanning over 180 films, she carved a niche for herself with powerful performances in action-packed roles, earning accolades and a massive fan base. Her transition from the silver screen to the political stage, however, was not a mere celebrity whim but a calculated step rooted in her desire to serve the public.

Her political journey began in the early 2000s when she joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 1997, only to later align with the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS, now Bharat Rashtra Samithi or BRS) during the height of the Telangana statehood movement. Vijayashanti played a pivotal role in advocating for Telangana’s separate identity, leveraging her popularity to mobilize support. In 2009, she won the Medak Lok Sabha seat as a TRS candidate, proving her mettle as a serious political contender. However, ideological differences led her to part ways with TRS in 2014, after which she briefly floated her own outfit, the Talli Telangana Party, before merging it with the Congress.

Her return to Congress in 2020 was seen as a homecoming of sorts, given her earlier association with the party’s values. Since then, Vijayashanti has been an active campaigner for INC in Telangana, often taking on the ruling BRS and BJP with sharp critiques. Her elevation to the Telangana Legislative Council in 2025 is a testament to her resilience and the party’s confidence in her ability to influence legislative discourse.

The Other Contenders: Addanki Dayakar and Shankar Naik

Alongside Vijayashanti, the Congress nominated Addanki Dayakar and Shankar Naik, two leaders with distinct profiles that complement the party’s strategy. Addanki Dayakar, a prominent Congress leader from Telangana, has been a vocal figure in state politics. Known for his grassroots connect and fiery oratory, Dayakar has been a key player in the Telangana movement and a staunch critic of rival parties. His nomination reflects INC’s intent to reward loyalty and leverage his organizational skills in the Council.

Dayakar’s political career has not been without controversy. In May 2024, he faced an FIR for alleged derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi during an election rally, a case that underscored his combative style. Beyond politics, he has also ventured into cinema, starring in a pan-India film titled India Files, released in 2024, which aimed to address national issues—a move that mirrors Vijayashanti’s own blend of entertainment and public service.

Shankar Naik, the third nominee, brings a different dimension to the trio. A relatively low-profile leader compared to Vijayashanti and Dayakar, Naik has been associated with the Congress’s efforts to strengthen its base among marginalized communities. His inclusion hints at the party’s focus on inclusivity and representation, particularly in a state where caste and regional dynamics play a crucial role in politics.

 The Context of the Nominations

The Telangana Legislative Council elections, scheduled with nominations due by March 10, 2025, and polling on March 20, 2025, as announced by the Election Commission of India (ECI), come at a critical juncture. The Congress, under Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s leadership, has been working to consolidate its gains after forming the state government in December 2023. The party’s performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where it tied with the BJP at eight seats each, signaled its resurgence in Telangana, a state previously dominated by the BRS.

The nomination of Vijayashanti, Dayakar, and Naik to the Council is a strategic move to strengthen the party’s legislative presence. The Council, though lacking the binding authority of the Legislative Assembly, serves as an important platform for debate, policy influence, and political messaging. With Vijayashanti’s star power, Dayakar’s grassroots appeal, and Naik’s community ties, the Congress aims to project a balanced and formidable team.

Implications for Telangana Politics

Vijayashanti’s entry into the Council is particularly significant given her past rivalry with the BRS and her vocal stance against its leadership. Her presence in the upper house could amplify the Congress’s critique of the ruling party’s policies, especially on issues like women’s empowerment, rural development, and statehood promises—areas where she has consistently positioned herself as a champion.

For Addanki Dayakar, the Council offers a platform to further his agenda, potentially focusing on social justice and economic equity, themes he has emphasized in his political career. Shankar Naik, meanwhile, could play a key role in addressing the concerns of Telangana’s diverse social fabric, ensuring the party’s outreach extends beyond urban centers.

The nomination of Vijayashanti, Addanki Dayakar, and Shankar Naik to the Telangana Legislative Council marks a new chapter in the state’s political narrative. For Vijayashanti, it’s a culmination of a journey from reel to real, blending her cinematic legacy with legislative responsibility. For the Congress, it’s a calculated step to harness star power, grassroots leadership, and inclusivity in its quest to dominate Telangana’s political landscape. As the trio prepares to take their seats, all eyes will be on how they shape the state’s future—and whether they can translate their collective strengths into tangible outcomes for the people of Telangana.