PCC chief hopes UPA will take decision on T'gana before polls

Hyderabad, Nov 19 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president D Srinivas today hoped that the UPA government at the Centre and the Congress High Command would take a decision on Telangana issue ahead of the elections next year.

Addressing a press conference after returning from New Delhi, he said it was for the UPA government and the Congress high command to take any decision on the Telangana issue and the state party leaders would abide by it.

However, he did not specify what decision the UPA and the Congress were likely to take on the statehood issue.

Asked whether the Congress high command and the UPA would take a positive decision on it before elections, he said, ''I do not know whether they will create a separate Telangana or not. They have to take some decision as we have to answer to the people. The party mentioned the Telangana issue in the 2004 election manifesto so it is necessary to take some decision on it before going to the polls in the coming elections.'' Replying to a question on the possible alliance with other parties, he said, ''the Congress party's doors were always open. If any old friend wants to come along with us, we will consider it.'' Poll alliances would be finalised one or two months before the elections only, the APCC President added.

Commenting on yesterday's attack on Praja Rajyam Party workers and leaders at Pulivendula, the home constituency of Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy, by unidentified miscreants, he said he would not support such incidents.

Stating that it was a reaction to an action, he said it was not good on the part of the party workers to put up banners and posters without seeking permission from the owner of houses.

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