Andhra Pradesh Congress a divided house over Telangana issue

Hyderabad, May 17: The division in Andhra Pradesh Congress over bifurcation of the state became apparent as the MLAs and ministers from Telangana and those from other regions of the state today (May 17) separately met party in-charge of Andhra Pradesh, Gulam Nabi Azad, over the vexed issue.

Congress MLAs and ministers from Telangana region, who met Azad here, appealed him to take immediate steps for formation of Telangana.

"We are not ready to accept any thing short of Telangana. All arguments and assurances to protect the interest of the Telangana have been violated. We told Azad to take a quick decision in formation of Telangana," senior Congress MLA R Damodar Reddy told reporters.

He hoped that a favourable decision would come up by June 15.

"We are ready for any sacrifices. We have our plan of action (ready)," said Reddy.

Union Health Minister and AICC general secretary, Azad, who was appointed as the in-charge of party affairs about three months ago, was on a two-day visit to the city to take stock of the situation against the backdrop of the humiliating defeat of the party in Kadapa bypolls and deep division within it over the Telangana issue.

Meanwhile, party MLA's and ministers from the coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema also met Azad and demanded that the state of Andhra Pradesh be kept united.

"We told him that Andhra Pradesh should remain united for Congress to come back to power in 2014 elections and Rahul Gandhi to become prime minister. It is in the interest of the people," Congress MLA Jogi Ramesh said.

Azad yesterday met party functionaries and other leaders and is today interacting with MPs, MLAs and other elected representatives.

PTI