Balram Naik apologises for re-merger remarks

Former Union Minister Balram Naik on Sunday apologised for his remarks wherein he threatened that Telangana would be re-merged with Andhra Pradesh if people does not vote in favour of Congress party in Warangal by-elections.

While addressing the Rythu Bharosa Yatra meeting on October 9, Balram Naik stated that if people do not vote for Congress candidate, then formation of Telangana State would be reversed. This statement has drawn severe criticism from all parties, especially the TRS and was described as an insult to Telangana martyrs. While addressing a press conference at Gandhi Bhavan on Sunday, Balram Naik said his remarks were the result of an emotional outburst and were not aimed at anyone. He said despite being a minister in the then Union Cabinet he participated in Telangana agitation and he could never insult martyrs or those who participated in the statehood agitation. (INN)