KCR calls for Bandh in Andhra Pradesh, blames Chidambaram of betrayal

Hyderabad, Dec.23 (ANI): Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) Chief K. Chandrashekhar Rao on Wednesday evening gave a call for Bandh across Andhra Pradesh in protest of the U-turn by the Centre on creation of Telangana issue.

Giving a call for closure, K. Chandrashekhar Rao or KCR on late Wednesday evening said: " Home minister has betrayed us."

"I will resign tomorrow," Rao was quoted by a private channel.

K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) was a member of the Telugu Desam Party until he quit the party and formed the TRS in 2001 at Hyderabad.

Earlier, in the evening, Union Home Minister held a press conference in the national capital and appealed for restoration of peace and harmony in Andhra Pradesh and urged the people of different regions of Andhra Pradesh, all political parties and students to withdraw their agitations.

"At a meeting of all political parties convened by the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh on December 7, 2009 a consensus emerged on the question of formation of a separate State of Telangana. A statement was made on behalf of the Central Government on December 9, 2009 on receipt of the minutes of the meeting, " said Chidambaram.

"However, after the statement, the situation in Andhra Pradesh has altered. A large number of political parties are divided on the issue. There is a need to hold wide ranging consultations with all political parties and groups in the State. Government of India will take steps to involve all concerned in the process," P. Chidambaram added.

"Meanwhile, it is necessary that peace and harmony are restored in Andhra Pradesh and the State Government is allowed to focus on governance and development."

"The Central Government appeals to the people of the different regions of Andhra Pradesh and to all political parties and students to withdraw their agitations and maintain peace, harmony and brotherhood," the Home Minister added.

However, on Wednesday, violence broke out in Osmania University following which students gave a call of 48 hours Bandh here.

Security personnel have been deployed to prevent any untoward incident.

The Government has imposed Section 144 to prevent any untoward incident. (ANI)