24 Dec : MPs and MLAs from Telangana cutting across party lines have resigned their seats in protest against the Centre’s decision to put the issue of the separate state on the backburner as the region shut down following a 48-hour bandh call.
Eleven Congress members of the Lok Sabha met in New Delhi Thursday morning and decided to submit their resignation to party president Sonia Gandhi in protest against the Centre’s decision last night on the issue.
They urged her to expedite the process of formation of the separate state. At a meeting in Andhra Bhavan in New Delhi, the MPs also decided to meet Union Minister S Jaipal Reddy, who is also an MP from Telangana region, and convey their decision.
A senior MP Madhu Yashki said they would also like Reddy to be part of their struggle, an indication that they would like him to resign.KCR, 29 other lawmakers resign over Telengana issue, calls bandh
Protesting the Centre’s apparent bid to buy more time on Telangana issue, TRS chief K Chandrasekhar Rao and 29 other lawmakers from the region cutting across party lines resigned last night.
Taking the lead, Rao faxed his resignation letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar late Wednesday evening and he was quickly followed by Lok Sabha MP from Medak M Vijayasanthi who was elected on a TRS ticket.
About 30 legislators belonging to Congress, TDP, TRS and Praja Rajyam Party also submitted their resignations when reports last came in till late last night.While all the ten MLAs belonging to TRS submitted their resignations, one MLC belonging to Telangana Vimochana Samiti, three MLAs of TDP, two of PRP also followed suit.
More MLAs and MLCs from Telangana are expected to quit.
Wider consultation
Capping a fortnight of intense campaign by leaders of coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema regions against bifurcation of the state which was countered by pro-Telangana groups, Home Minister P Chidambaram made a brief statement saying “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,” he said at a hurriedly-called press conference. He read out a four para statement but took no questions.
Justifying the 9th December statement made by him on initiating the process for forming Telangana state, Chidambaram said “however, after the statement the situation has altered.
Rao calls it betrayal, calls bandh
Chidambaram’s announcement drew immediate condemnation from K Chandrasekhar Rao who met leaders of various parties from the region and called it a “betrayal”.He called for a 48-hour bandh in protest.
CM Rosaiah appeals for peace
Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K Rosaiah has said that the Centre’s statement is not a victory for any region. He appealed to people in all regions to maintain peace and cooperate in Centre’s efforts.