Telangana Congress leaders to meet Srikrishna panel today

Discussion on issues to be included in presentation to be made before Srikrishna panel

Congress leaders from Telangana, including MPs, MLAs, MLCs, Zilla Parishad chairpersons, will meet here on Tuesday to discuss the details to be included in the presentation to be made before the Srikrishna Committee.

Talking to reporters here on Monday, Congress legislator Basavaraj Saraiah said the leaders from the region would collectively present their opinion on the need for bifurcation of the State.

They would explain how Telangana was discriminated against in important sectors like irrigation, drinking water supply, education, health, power and employment.

Also, the violations with regard to the implementation of the Gentleman's Agreement, G.O. 610 and the differences in the cultures between the regions would be among the issues that would be highlighted before the commission.

He said that irrespective political affiliations, castes or community, the four crore people of the region favoured division of the State.

Statements condemned

Asked about Congress MP Y.S.Jaganmohan Reddy's proposed tour of Warangal district, he said that he had no specific opinion on the issue. The party seniors would discuss and decide. He, however, appealed to leaders to act in accordance with the aspirations of the people.

At a separate press conference, former APSRTC chairman Gone Prakash Rao condemned the statements of TDP legislator E. Dayakar Rao and Telangana JAC (political) Kodandaram opposing the tour of Mr. Jaganmohan Reddy. Joining issue with Mr. Rao, he said it was the TDP which laid the foundation for the Devadula irrigation project in 2001 by promising that it would be completed by 2004.

Accusing TDP president N.Chandrababu Naidu of being anti-farmer, he said the TDP when in power had not spent any money on the Sriramsagar project.

Interpretations

At a separate press conference, Congress MLA, E. Prathap Reddy said it was not proper for anybody to object to the Warangal tour of Mr.Jagan Mohan Reddy. Anybody could go anywhere in the State and it was not correct to threaten to obstruct.

He said that different interpretations were being given to Mr. Jagan's tour. He declined to comment when asked about the possibility of Mr.Jagan launching a new party. Why would he leave the party when his late father strove hard in strengthening Congress.