Rajagopal vows to step up anti-Telangana protests

Congress` Lagadapati Rajagopal, who resigned as MP over Andhra Pradesh split, vowed to continue agitation for the unified state until Centre withdraws its decision on proposed creation of Telangana.

Vijaywada: Congress leader Lagadapati Rajagopal, who recently resigned as MP over the decision to split Andhra Pradesh, on Saturday vowed to continue the agitation for the unified state until Centre withdraws its decision on proposed creation of Telangana.
"Congress decided to bifurcate the state even though 89 per cent people are supporting the unified state. The leaders in Delhi are not aware of it. Therefore, the agitation has to be continued until the Centre decides not to split the state," he said.

He said the creation of Telangana will lead to several new issues like water disputes and will add to the woes of farmers.

Rajagopal, however, urged the Andhra Pradesh Non-Gazetted Officers Association (APNGOs) to withdraw their proposed indefinite strike against division of state, beginning from August 12.

The APNGOs Association president P Ashok Babu has urged the Congress Working Committee to reconsider its decision on the formation of Telangana.

"The CWC should honour the feelings and sentiments of majority of public representatives, including chief minister, union and state ministers, MPs, MLAs and MLCs, who are against the bifurcation...The decision has been made for political gains at the cost of people," he said.

In Kakinada, chairman of Andhra Pradesh Micro and Small Enterprises Development Corporation (MSEDC) B V Ramarao has appealed to Centre to dissolve Andhra Pradesh assembly and impose President`s rule, alleging the administration has came to a standstill due to ongoing protest.

He threatened to undertake fast-unto-death from August 15 at Kakinada in support of United Andhra Pradesh.

Kadapa unit president of Telugu Desam Party (TDP) Linga Reddy said "the TDP leadership may not go back from its pro-Telangana stand, but the leaders of Rayalaseema and coastal Andhra will sail with people. Parties should function according to the will of people".

He accused Congress party of the "discriminatory" decision saying the ruling party would be voted out in the next elections.

Meanwhile, the chairman of Non-political JAC V. Balamohan Das underlined the need for intensifying the agitation in a peaceful manner.

Das told reporters in Vishakhapatnam that different JACs and units participating in Samaikhyandra movement should join hands and intensify the stir.
PTI

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