Even as the Group of Ministers started dealing with issues concerning bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh, Seemandhra Congress leaders have resolved to make last-ditch efforts to stall the process.
As many as 40 Seemandhra Congress lawmakers have decided to meet President Pranab Mukherjee on Wednesday to plead with him to intervene and do justice to Seemandhra.
This was disclosed here on Sunday by Rajahmundry MP Vundavalli Arun Kumar, who has resigned from the primary membership of the Congress protesting against the bifurcation move.
“I along with 40 Seemandhra leaders, would meet President Pranab Mukherjee on October 23. In fact, when we had met the President recently, Pranab Mukherje told us that division of AP is a ‘grey area’ and that any decision should be taken only after thorough discussion,” he said.
While participating in a “meet the press” programme organised by AP Journalists’ Forum, Vundavalli also claimed that the President told him that state division should not be done in a hurried manner.
Vundavalli said the Group of Ministers (GoM) was confident enough that the Telangana bill would be accepted by all when it is referred to the state Assembly.
“Telangana bill will not be adopted in Parliament in the coming winter session. The state will not be divided before 2014 polls,” he said.
He said that division should be acceptable to people of all the three regions; If not, it would be negated in the Assembly.
The MP said they would put in all efforts to defeat the T-bill in the Assembly as well as in Parliament.
Process delay
Vundavalli felt when two major national parties--BJP and Congress--are for formation of Telangana state, it could not be stopped, but could be delayed.
Issues concerning irrigation, financial and other aspects should be addressed properly before dividing the state, he said.
Asked if he was for united AP or division, as he is now demanding that the Centre address the issues of Seemandhra region, Vundavalli said, “This is why I am scared of coming before the media. As poet Sri Sri said in the past, people could say anything when you are in public.”
Vundavalli said if the state is divided, Rayalaseema would suffer a lot due to lack of irrigation. Terming the movement for United AP as a massive one in the recent past, he said Seemandhra people felt betrayed when some Telangana leaders wanted them to go back to Seemandhra from Hyderabad. Injustice was done to Telangana people, but state division should have a strong basis, he said.
Asked about Article 371(D) and Article 3, Vndavalli, who is also a lawyer, said the Supreme Court could only interpret the Constitution, but could not stay a decision of Parliament. “Parliament is the highest body and could even amend the Constitution,” he added.
Vundavalli said if the state is divided, Telangana would suffer in terms of finances and water. If the state is united, it would be beneficial to Telangana.