“People of Telangana are shocked over the Rayala Telangana news appearing in the press” – Deputy CM

Following strong resistance from the people of Telangana for the Rayala-Telangana proposal, deputy chief minister Damodara Rajanarasimha dashed off letters to all members of the Group of Ministers (GoM) on Wednesday demanding creation of the new state only with 10 Telangana districts.

Telangana ministers later released copies of the letter to the media and supported the deputy chief minister.

In his letter, Rajanarasimha stated: “Some disturbing news is appearing in the press that the GoM is seriously thinking of recommending Rayala-Telangana and prepared a report accordingly.”

“Telangana Congress leaders have already held meetings thanking our leader Sonia Gandhi for announcing Telangana state with 10 districts and Hyderabad as common capital for 10 years before huge crowds. Now, the people of Telangana are shocked over the Rayala Telangana news appearing in the press,” he said.

“Any move deviating from the decision of the CWC will hurt the feelings of Telangana people. This will be a disadvantage for Congress in the ensuing elections,” he added.

“I request the GoM to kindly consider formation of Telangana state with 10 districts,” the Deputy CM said in his letter.

Later in the evening, Telangana ministers K Jana Reddy, Peddi Sudharshan Reddy, D Sridhar Babu and P Sunitha Laxma Reddy released copies of the letter. Jana Reddy said that the deputy CM faxed the letter to all members of the GoM in the morning.

“No one consulted us on Rayala Telangana,” Jana Reddy said, adding the culture, history and aspirations of Rayalaseema and Telangana people do not match.

Asked about the fate of Congress in the next elections if Rayala Telangana is finalised, Jana Reddy said: “We will abide by the decision of the people.”

This is seen as an indirect admission that Congress will lose heavily in the region if Rayala Telangana state is formed.

Jana Reddy said though the Congress will not support the bandh on Thursday, called by the TRS, they back the aspirations of the people. He wished that the bandh will be peaceful.

Source: The New Indian Express