Sunday, January 27, 2013

Andhra Pradesh simmers as Centre defers Telangana decision

New Delhi/Hyderabad: Mass protests are likely to continue in parts of Andhra Pradesh on Monday as the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) has threatened to intensify its stir for a separate state a day after Centre deferred a decision on granting statehood to Telangana.

The Centre skipping its own January 28 deadline for resolving the vexed issue of Telangana’s statehood has evoked sharp reactions from the pro-Telanaga groups, who have termed the move a ‘big betrayal’ and are now up in the arms for a violent agitation.

Accusing the Congress of once again betraying the people, the TRS has now decided to launch an agitation targeting Congress ministers, MPs and state legislators in the region.

TRS leader K Tarakarama Rao demanded resignation of all Congress MPs and ministers to pressurize the Centre to concede their demand.

Leaders of Telangana Joint Action Committee, which launched two-day protest here on Sunday, BJP, CPI and the Telangana leaders of TDP condemned the statements of Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde and Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad.

Shinde, who had said after all-party meeting on December 28 that the government will decide on the issue within a month, stated in Delhi on Sunday evening that they need more time.

He said the consultations on the issue were on.

Earlier, Azad told reporters that more consultations were needed on the issue. He said the party would consult Chief Minister, state party chief and leaders from all three regions of the state. He also made it clear that no deadline was set for completing the consultations.

There were mixed reactions to their statements from the Congress leaders in Telangana. Some MPs said they were disappointed but hoped that the Centre would soon take a positive decision.

State minister K Jana Reddy was hopeful that despite the delay, Congress would take a decision in tune with the aspirations of the people of Telangana.

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