The Bharatiya Janata Party has reiterated its resolve to form separate Telangana State if it comes to power after next general elections.
Addressing a dharna at Dharna Chowk near Indira Park organised to mark the third anniversary of Centre’s announcement of formation of Telangana, BJP State President G Kishan Reddy reminded that the then Union Home Minister P Chidambaram on December 9, 2009, announced that the Centre would begin the process for the formation of separate State. The announcement was described as the gift for Telangana people on Congress president Sonia Gandhi’s birthday. However, he said that the gift was never delivered. He said not honouring the promise might be culture of Italy, Sonia’s birth place. But in Indian culture, people are expected to fulfill the promises that they make to others, he said
Kishan Reddy alleged that Congress party was not in favour of giving Telangana State. He said that the Congress-led UPA had adequate numbers in the Parliament and State Assembly to pass the Telangana Bill. The BJP and other national parties have also announced their support for the separate State. Despite this, he said that the Congress was delaying the decision on Telangana.
The BJP leader alleged that the Centre was playing with the lives of people of Telangana by delaying the decision on one pretext or the other. He said hundreds of youth have committed suicide for the statehood cause and even those sacrifices have failed to move the Centre. However, he expressed confidence that the BJP would come to power at the Centre in next elections and would form separate Telangana.
Kisan Reddy also appealed to the people to support the BJP in the State as they have been cheated by different parties on the statehood issue.
BJP National Secretary Muralidhar Rao, former union minister Bandaru Dattatreyya and other leaders also addressed the meeting. (INN)