Hyderabad, December 13: The political crisis in Andhra Pradesh triggered by the Telangana issue showed no signs of easing today with four TDP leaders launching an indefinite fast opposing bifurcation of the state, even as ministers, who threatened to quit, maintained silence on their move.
Telugu Desam MLAs Devineni Umamaheswara Rao (Mylavaram) and Chinnam Ramakotaiah (Nuzividu), along with former Mayor of Vijayawada city Panchumarthi Anuradha and party leader B Umamaheswara Rao sat on the indefinite hunger strike in Vijayawada, the epicentre of the anti-Telangana protests.
On the other hand, Ch Ramesh, TDP MLA from Karimnagar in Telangana region, submitted resignation both from his assembly membership as well as the party in protest against the TDP’s “doublespeak” on Telangana.
Suspense continued on the issue of resignation of more than 20 ministers, who had yesterday decided to quit opposing the formation of Telangana. There was no word on whether they stick to their stand and press their resignation or withdraw it.
The Ministers, all hailing from coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema regions, are expected to make their stand public soon, sources said. However, state Congress chief D Srinivas hoped that no minister will step down while appealing to the legislators to withdraw their resignation, saying “they have made their stand known and the high command will now take a decision.
Meanwhile, a senior Congress leader Rayapati Samba Siva said the Centre’s announcement on Telangana was more due to the pressure from Congress leaders in Telangana than to the fast by TRS chief.
“We are shocked and deeply disappointed at the hasty unilateral decision,” senior Congress leader and MP Rayapati Samba Siva Rao said referring to Congress Core Committee decision to concede the demand for the formation of Telangana.
The decision was more due to the pressure from Congress leaders in Telangana than to the fast-unto-death by Telangana Rashtra Samiti chief K Chandrasekhar Rao, he told reporters at his residence.
The state Congress unit has committed a mistake by authorising party chief Sonia Gandhi to take a decision on the sensitive issue, the five time MP from Guntur said, adding that they had naturally expected that she would consult all the stakeholders before taking a decision.
He, however, said Sonia has assured Andhra Pradesh MPs to reconsider the decision and see to it that no injustice is done to any region in the state.
Sambasiva said the formation of separate Telangana state is still in doubt and a resolution by AP State Legislature is mandatory for the purpose.
–PTI–