Respect people`s wishes, Kiran warns his own party, Centre

Kiran Kumar Reddy issued an indirect warning to his party and the Central government.

Hyderabad: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy on Thursday night issued an indirect warning to his party -- Congress -- and the Central government, saying people would "declare a holiday" if any party or government did not take decisions as per their wishes. The Chief Minister`s statement, made at a function to mark the official language day here, assumes significance in the backdrop of the growing agitation in Andhra-Rayalaseema regions against the proposed bifurcation of the state.

"In a democracy, people are the ultimate decision-makers. Any party or government can`t take decisions against the people`s will. If they do so, people will declare a holiday (on such parties and governments). That is the beauty of the democracy," Kiran said, in what is being interpreted as a warning to the Congress high command as well as the UPA government over the bifurcation move. The Chief Minister has been strongly opposing the division of Andhra Pradesh, notwithstanding the Congress Central Working Committee`s resolution in favour of creation of Telangana state. He had so far not spoken out directly against the party high command over the issue, but had categorically said that he was against the state`s division. PTI