Cong committed to second SRC: Rajagopal

Hyderabad, Dec 22 (UNI) Vijayawada MP Lagadapati Rajagopal today reiterated the Congress was committed towards the formation of the second States' Reorganisation Commission (SRC) as mentioned in the election manifesto.

Addressing a press conference here, he said all the leaders of the party had agreed to the second SRC and incorporated it in the election manifesto during 2004 general elections for creating a separate state for Telangana.

He refuted the remarks of former State Congress president and RTC Chairman M Satyanarayana Rao that it would be difficult for the party in the ensuing elections if it neglected the formation of Telangana.

Mr Rajagopal said none of the party leaders, including Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy, were against the separate Telangana.

When Dr Reddy was the leader of the Congress Legislature Party, the Telangana issue was discussed in the party and he, too, had agreed to the second SRC.

Asked about his father-in-law and former Minister P Upendra's intention to contest Lok Sabha from Vijayawada, Mr Rajagopal said he preferred the constituency as he had developed it according to the aspirations of the people, during the last three and a half years.

He, however, said, ''Vijayawada is not anyone's own place. I will abide by the party's decision.'' I will support the party's candidate in the elections. The Party High Command has to take a decision on the issue,'' he added.

UNI