Diwakar wants Seema in T

The former minister, Mr J.C. Diwakara Reddy, created a new controversy by proposing the merger of Rayalaseema region into Telangana in the event of division of state.

Mr Reddy made the comments in a meeting organised by the Kurnool Congress legislator, Mr T.G. Venkatesh, on Wednesday with leaders and legislators, who hailed from Rayalaseema region, to chalk out a strategy on the division of the state.

Though Mr Reddy supported his cause for united Andhra Pradesh and continuance of the state, he recommended the merger of Rayalaseema region into Telangana if the Srikrishna panel proposed division of the state.

“We will be the worst sufferers in case of formation of Telangana state. We cannot associate with coastal Andhra region due to various reasons, particularly the irrigation sector. Hence, it would be better if we join with Telangana to protect our interests,” said Mr Reddy.

The merger was strongly objected by the Praja Rajyam legislator, Ms Sobha Nagireddy, who supported the united Andhra Pradesh slogan.

“Earlier the Rayalaseema region did have resources to grow on its own, but we should remain in united Andhra Pradesh. Merging with the Telangana is not a good idea,” said Ms Nagireddy.

Supporting her argument the Congress MLC, Mr Y.S. Vivekanda Reddy, said all leaders should work and register arguments with the Justice Srikrishna panel in favour of the united Andhra Pradesh.

Mr Venkatesh has conveyed to the MLAs that despite the expression of individual opinions, everybody is agreeing for the continuance of the state in its present form.

He further said that all the leaders should formulate their arguments before March 18 to form a comprehensive report from Raayalaseema leaders that will be submitted to the Justice Srikrishna panel.