Non-Telangana Cong leaders meet PM; push for a united Andhra

New Delhi, Jul 19: Stepping up pressure on the Centre, Congress lawmakers from non-Telangana regions today (Jul 19) met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh demanding that the Government should not bifurcate Andhra Pradesh, but were counselled patience by him.

As part of their campaign to counter the pro-Telangana protagonists within the party, the Ministers, MPs, MLAs and senior leaders from the coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema regions are camping in Delhi to persuade the Centre and Congress High Command from taking any step that would hurt the unity of the people.

The large delegation led by Higher Education Minister K Sailajanath and senior MP K S Rao met Singh at his 7, Race Course Road residence for over 30 minutes and apprised him of the situation in the state.

The lawmakers said they categorically told the Prime Minister that Andhra Pradesh should be kept united and no move should be made to divide the state.

The leaders said they "clearly explained" their position to him.

Briefing reporters about the meeting, Sailajanath said the Prime Minister gave a patient hearing to them on all the issues raised and promised to "convey our sentiments" to AICC General Secretary Ghulam Nabi Azad, who is the party in-charge of Andhra Pradesh.

"The Prime Minister asked us to be patient. As disciplined Congress workers, he said everyone should wait (for a decision to be taken). He told us that he will convey our sentiments to Azad," Sailajanath said.

PTI