HYDERABAD: The issue of state’s bifurcation has reached a decisive stage, senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha member V Hanumantha Rao observed and appealed to Andhra and Rayalaseema leaders not to thwart formation of Telangana state since state’s division would lead to development of all the three regions.Speaking with reporters in Delhi on Saturday, he said a sepaarte state was Telanganites’ long-standing democratic wish of the people of the region and regional Congress leaders had been fighting for a new state for several decades and intensified it in 2001. But it was never opposed by Seemandhra leaders, whether in the Congress or outside it, he claimed.The AICC formed the Telangana Regional Congress Coordination Committee (TRCC) before the 2004 general election and included the statehood issue in the election manifesto prepared by former Union minister P Upendra and former chief minister K Rosaiah, both hailing from Seemandhra region. The Congress had forged an alliance with the TRS and that it was accepted by the people of the state was proved by the Congress’ victory in that election.Hanumantha Rao said the Telangana movement had a great history but the ‘Samaikyandhra’ slogan had never been heard before the December 9, 2009 statement of Chidambaram. “A section of politicians raised it to prevent formation of T state. If they were sincerely committed to Samaikyandhra, why had they not prevented the T leaders’ demand during 2000-2001? Had they voiced their opposition strongly, the high command would have considered their opinion before making a statement on December 9, 2009.’’ He said state’s bifurcation would help decentralisation and decrease the population growth in Hyderabad. Besides, a a capital of their own would usher in economic development of a separate Seemandhra state, he argued.Rao termed the Sakala Janula Samme historic, saying the strike was continuing in a non-violent manner even after 26 days. He claimed that Seemandhra employees too supported the strike. He also claimed that no other movement in the world had so many youths sacrificing their lives for a cause.Hanumantha Rao said the Telangana issue should not be linked with other issues as it would be nothing but de-merger of the erstwhile Hyderabad state. Asserting that it was the right time to take a decision, he warned that the situation would go out of hand if the government continued to adopt delay tactics.
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