Telugu Desam party president, N. Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday said the Congress has bungled the separate Telangana issue by announcing a unilateral decision suddenly at midnight without consulting political parties and taking people into confidence.
Addressing a press conference immediately after the Assembly adjourned for the day, Mr. Naidu, appearing clearly shocked by the sudden decision of the Central government said the sensitive issue was poorly handled, plunging the State into a crisis as seen by the scale of violence on Thursday and the spate of resignations by MLAs and MPs. “The legislators say they are unable to go to the people. Congress will have to take the blame for such situation and violence,” he said.
Asked if there would be a change in the party’s stand in view of the resignation by MLAs and the adverse reaction in coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema, he said, “We will discuss the issue and let you know.” His response was similar on why the party supported the introduction of a resolution on Telangana.
He said there were established procedures and guidelines to follow whenever such a major decision was taken. The pros and cons have to be weighed and more importantly, people should be prepared for such a decision. Even after the 1969 agitation, a lot of discussion had gone into the framing of the Gentleman’s Agreement, Six Point Formula and the Presidential Order.
Without proper homework, the Union Home Minister, P. Chidambaram made a sudden announcement triggering panic and emotional reaction all around the State. He found fault with Mr. Chidambaram for making a statement outside when the Parliament was in session. The decision was taken in such a hurry that even the Chief Minister, K. Rosaiah, had no information on the resolution to be adopted in the Assembly. “Congress seemed to be in a hurry to announce the decision to coincide with the AICC president Sonia Gandhi’s birthday. It was not concerned about the reaction.”
