TRS Chief Raises Telangana Issue, Meets Prez

Dredging up the Telangana issue, Telangana Rashtriya Samiti (TRS) chief K Chandrasekhar Rao has threatened to go on a fast-unto-death if the central government does not take steps to carve out a separate state from Andhra Pradesh by November 30.

Rao met President Pratibha Patil and submitted a memorandum to her on the issue. He has been championing the cause of a separate statehood demand since 2003.

“All our representations on the Telangana issue have unfortunately fallen on deaf ears. Under these circumstances, I, as a responsible people’s representative, am constrained to go fast-unto-death very soon,” Rao said in the memorandum.

Accusing Congress of going back on its promises made to them on the Telangana issue in 2004, the TRS chief asked the state Assembly to adopt a resolution by November 30 and the Centre to carve Telangana out of Andhra Pradesh.

“The President told me not to go on a fast. She told me that there are other democratic ways to put forth demands,” he said after the meeting, adding that he will launch a fast if his demands are not met by November 30.

Besides, Rao called on senior BJP leader LK Advani and asked for his support for the formation of Telangana.

The issue, which was at the backburner virtually after Congress’ resounding victory in the assembly elections, has assumed centrestage now with the death of Y S Rajasekhara Reddy, who was opposed to the demand.

Reacting to Rao’s demands, Congress spokesman Abhishek Singhvi said: “We appreciate the sentiments. We request him not to waste a precious life. Whatever has to be done will be done.”