Telangana leaders to continue stir

Hyderabad, Feb 23 (UNI) Senior Congress leaders from Telangana region have decided to continue their agitation demanding early formation of a separate Telangana state.

Addressing a press conference after a 90-minute meeting with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy here last night, CWC member G Venkataswamy said Dr Reddy was apprised of the situation in Telangana and the sentiments of the people.

Mr Venkataswamy said though the Chief Minister did not give any assurance, he (Dr Reddy) had stated that he would convey their feelings to party high command and would not be an obstacle for the formation of a separate state.

The UPA Government at the Centre and the Congress high command should honour the sentiments of the people of Telangana as it was an election promise made by the party during the 2004 polls.

Since the the UPA Government had withdrawn the proposal to constitute a second SRC, it was the responsibility of the Centre and the state government to take an early decision.

Asked whether the leaders would meet UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi during her visit on March 14 to the state, he said they would meet her if they get an invitation. However, the proposed 'Bhowanagiri' meeting would be organised after her visit, he said.

Mr Venkataswamy said the leaders had acknowledged the development ushered in by the state government during the last three years and had assured the Chief Minister of their full cooperation on the development front.

APSRTC Chaiman M Satyanarayana Rao, Telangana Region Development Board Chairman U Purushtham Reddy, MLCs K R Amos, V Kamlakara Rao, and S Indrasain Reddy, Sarve Satyanarayana, MP, and former APCC Chief P Narsi Reddy attended the meeting.

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