Rallies in Andhra, Rayalaseema oppose Telangana state
Students in Andhra and Rayalaseema regions of Andhra Pradesh on Friday held rallies against bifurcation of the state while the Joint Action Committee (JAC), spearheading the demand for a Telangana state, continued efforts for a joint agitation to achieve a separate state.
Students and activists of various groups opposing the demand for a Telangana state, formed a human chain in Guntur town. Leaders of the groups alleged that politicians for their vested interests were trying to instigate people of one region against the other.
Rallies opposing the demand for bifurcation of the state were also taken out in Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Kadapa and Anantapur.
In Visakhapatnam, lawyers favouring 'samaikhya Andhra' or united Andhra boycotted courts and demanded that public representatives of Andhra and Rayalaseema regions resign to put pressure on the central government.
State minister from Andhra region E. Pratap Reddy told reporters in Hyderabad that they would put forward before the centre their demand to keep the state united. He, however, said he would abide by the centre's decision and rejected the demand for his resignation.
Members of parliament and legislature from Andhra and Rayalaseema regions are under pressure to quit since about 15 MPs and 100 MLAs from Telangana have submitted their resignations to press the demand for a separate state.
Meanwhile, Telangana JAC convenor M. Kodandaram continued his efforts to evolve a consensus on a joint agitation by all political parties.
He held talks with senior Congress leader K. Keshava Rao a day after Congress leaders decided to go alone in their fight for a separate state.
Kodandaram also met Telangana Praja Front leader and balladeer Gaddar to seek his support for unity among parties fighting for Telangana state.
The JAC convenor plans to call a meeting of all public representatives who submitted their resignations for consultations to launch a joint agitation.
All MPs and MLAs of the Congress party will be holding a crucial meeting in Hyderabad on Saturday to discuss their future course of action. The meeting is also likely to take a final decision on Kodandaram's appeal for joint agitation.
With the Congress central leadership yet to respond to their demand to initiate the process for separate state despite their resignations, they are likely to discuss their strategy.
Telugu Desam Party (TDP) legislators continued their 'bus yatra' in Telangana region for the second day, demanding the centre to immediately carve out a separate state.
The JAC on Thursday deferred its two-day rail blockade in Telangana to hold consultations with other parties for a joint agitation.
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