CLP demands apology from AICC Secretary Madhu Yashki

Hyderabd, Jan 23 (UNI) The Andhra Pradesh Congress Legislature Party (CLP) today asked All India Congress Committee Secretary Madhu Yashki, MP, to withdraw his remarks against Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy and against the Congress on separate Telangana issue and tender an apology.

Accompanied by State Roads and Building Minister T Jeevan Reddy, State Energy, Coal and Minority Welfare Minister Mohd Ali Shabir told mediapersons here that the Congress leaders--whether junior or senior--should not raise their voice, disrespecting the party and harming its interests in any matter.

Every party worker had the right to talk on any issue, but he should not criticise the party or the leaders openly.

He said Congress leaders from the Telangana region could meet AICC president Sonia Gandhi to give a fillip to their efforts to achieve separate Telangana. As a secretary of the AICC, Mr Yashki could raise the issue at AICC meetings, but should not make public statements against the party and the leaders. The 'so-called' leaders were making statements for publicity purpose, he alleged, asking them not to resort to 'blackmailing tactics'.

Mr Shabir said the separate Telangana issue was before the party President, and the party and the UPA Government at the Centre would take a decision on it at an appropriate time. The State Congress and its leaders were not against the formation of separate Telangana.

Asked whether the party unit in the State would make any complaint against Mr Yashki, he said, ''He should withdraw his remarks and tender an apology. Otherwise, we will think about the future course of action against him.'' UNI BR VA GD PK KP1644