Andhra CM goes on 'silent dharna' against Telangana

Taking his protest against the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh to the heart of the capital,
Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy on Wednesday sat on a silent dharna at Jantar Mantar in Delhi against the Centre's move to carve out a separate state of Telangana.

After paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat, Reddy began his dharna at Jantar Mantar

A host of state ministers and Members of Legislative Assembly from the Seemandhara region were also present on the dais.

Later, he was joined by four Union ministers for a brief period.

These ministers included M Pallam Raju, K Samba Siva Rao, D Purandeswari and Killi Kruparani.

“They should not introduce the bill (Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Bill)," said K Samba Siva Rao.

Asked about their next course of action if the government introduced the bill, he replied, "We will decide at that point of time."

Union minister Pallam Raju alleged that the Bill is being taken forward against democratic norms.

"In its current form it does not do justice to any region. Major concerns related to water and the security of people living around Hyderabad has not been adequately addressed," he claimed.

Image: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Kiran Kumar Reddy

Photograph: SnapsIndia