Even as the war of words between Congress leaders of Telangana and Seemandhra regions intensified, Seemandhara region leaders are scheduled to make a three-day visit to New Delhi from Monday to press for keeping Andhra Pradesh united.
State Minor Irrigation Minister T.G. Venkatesh continued to draw flak from the Telangana Congress leaders for his claims that he was not averse to raising a private army to fight for united Andhra Pradesh and to protect the interests of Seemandhra people in Hyderabad.
Provocative
The Minister's comment that he would put behind bars those seeking Telangana if he was given an opportunity to be the Home Minister even for a single day further angered the Telangana leaders resulting in vociferous demand for his immediate dismissal from the Cabinet.
Congress MPs — G. Vivekanand, Komatireddy Rajagopal Reddy, Ponnam Prabhakar, and V. Hanumantha Rao — and MLA R. Damodar Reddy objected to the remarks on floating a private army (Seemandhra Sena) by a Minister holding a responsible position, as such provocative statements could fuel animosity between the people of Telangana and Seemandhra.
“Mr. Venkatesh continues to cross his limits with his inflammatory statements. He can't stay put in Hyderabad even for a minute. If the people of Telangana wish, he will continue as a Minister only for Seemandhra as he won't be allowed to enter Telangana,” Mr. Vivekanand said. “With one call we can mobilise an army of over one lakh youth at least 10,000 from each district to take care of those who have been hurting and exploiting them,” they said . Former Minister Damodar Reddy said Mr. Venkatesh's statements would threaten the safety of Seemandhra people living in Telangana while Mr. Prabhakar wanted Mr. Venkatesh to be sacked immediately .
