The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Telangana issue: friction in Congress

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Wednesday, Jan 23, 2008
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Telangana issue: friction in Congress

Special Correspondent

M. Marreppa

HYDERABAD: Marketing Minister M. Mareppa has joined issue with Congress MP from Nizamabad Madhu Yashki by offering to join him in a public debate in Nizamabad itself on the issue of separate Telangana versus an integrated Andhra Pradesh.

Talking to reporters here on Tuesday, Mr. Mareppa, however, rejected the MP’s challenge for such a debate in Osmania University. “A visit to the university is unwarranted. Moreover, Telangana is not a cigarette or beedi to be given just like that for the asking,” he said.

The Minister also rejected the demand made by Mr. Yashki to tender apology to Telangana people for his remarks advocating integrated state undermining the demand for Telangana. “Why should I apologise? Did I commit any mistake?” he asked.

The Minister contended that a united AP was the need of the hour as serious efforts were being made by the Rajasekhara Reddy Government to achieve all-round development of the State. On the various statements issued by the Congress leaders on Telangana, the Minister wanted to know why they did not voice this demand during the Telugu Desam period if they considered it important.

Meanwhile, the pro-Chief Minister camp in the Congress launched a counter attack on Telangana campaigners. Banswada MLA Bajireddi Goverdhan accused Mr. Yaskhi of using the Congress party to enhance his personal image.

“He is hell bent on damaging the party’s image by raising the bogey of Telangana,” he said and questioned why the Congress MP did not utter a single word against the TDP or the TRS leadership. “Let him first concentrate on development of Nizamabad before talking about separate Telangana,” he said.

Wrong signals

Former PCC chief K. Keshava Rao said that leaders should not indulge in verbal duel which will send wrong signals. Convenor of Telangana Congress Forum K.R.Amos said the Chief Minister was not able to digest the fact that senior leaders from the region were planning to meet the AICC president.

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