CPI to adopt resolution in support of Telangana

Hyderabad, Feb 2 (UNI) The Communist Party of India, which had been advocating ''Vishal Andhra''(unified state), will adopt a resolution at its National Conference here next month in support of separate Telangana.

Recognising the consistent demand for statehood since 1956, the party decided to change its stand, realising that development had not taken place in this backward region due to ''criminal negligence'' of those in power, CPI National Council secretary S Sudhakar Reddy told newspersons here.

''The change in our stand is not emotional, he said, adding that the gap among Telangana and other parts of Andhra Pradesh increased, whether it was in creation of infrastructure or health or educational facilities.'' ''We too once believed that with special economic package the disparity in economic growth can be bridged among different regions of the state,'' he said.

Asked about differences with the CPI(M) on the issue, he said ''we wanted to resolve them through mutual discussions, but it is unfortunate that it decided to go to the press.'' Mr Reddy asked the Congress and TRS leaders to observe restraint in their language and promote a healthy discussion on the sensitive Telangana issue.

UNI SM KK KP2001