A sense of confusion has gripped the Seemandhra Congress leaders on what they should do if the high command goes ahead and makes an announcement in favour of separate Telangana. Having failed to come out with a concrete action plan during its meeting in Ministers’ quarters on Thursday, the Seemandhra leaders are now exploring various options if their plea against bifurcation is ignored.
During their visit to New Delhi on January 21, the leaders plan to submit a three-page memorandum signed by Ministers and legislators opposing bifurcation. A growing section among them is said to be against the idea of mass resignation. The leaders, who are coordinating the Delhi visit, are also not sure about the number of Ministers accompanying them.
The Congress legislators do not want to risk their political future by taking on the high command. Many are afraid that securing the party ticket in the 2014 elections would be impossible if they defied the central leadership.
ADVERTISEMENT
Adding to their worry is the fact that the YSR Congress leadership is also selective in taking more MLAs. This is because YSRC president Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy is said to have shortlisted candidates for a majority of the Assembly constituencies in Seemandhra region. “At this juncture, if we decide to resign our seat, there is no guarantee that Jagan will take us in his party. Moreover, how many MLAs can he accommodate in his party and give tickets?” a senior Congress leader explained.
In this backdrop, they are looking at launching a political JAC in the region and feel that could be the best option. A Minister from Coastal Andhra said they would not hesitate to bring like-minded political parties on to a common platform. “There is always scope to convert such a move into forming a political party. As the Congress and the TDP are bound to face a tough time in the event of bifurcation, the new political party can at least take on the YSRC. People will certainly sympathise with us for having quit our respective parties to safeguard the interests of our region,” a Government Whip from Seemandhra said.