The political crisis over the issue of separate Telangana state has deepened in Andhra Pradesh with the resignation of 136 MLAs in the 294 member Assembly. Out of 136 legislators that resigned, 79 belong to the Congress, 43 from TDP and 14 from Praja Rajyam Party. Speaker Kiran Kumar Reddy has adjourned the Assembly till Monday in the wake of the resignations.<br/><br/>Chief Minister K Rosaiah told reporters that he has received no written instructions from the high command to pass a resolution in Assembly on Telangana issue. Mr Rosaiah said, he was only informed that the process for carving out separate Telangana state should begin. He said there is no time frame for moving a resolution in the assembly and he is continuously updating the party high command over the developments in the state to find a solution to the problem.<br/><br/>The Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has assured the Congress MPs from coastal Andhra and Rayasaleema region in Andhra Pradesh that the sentiments of members will be considered and nothing will be done in haste with regard to the creation of Telangana state. Minister of State for Defence, M. Pallam Raju told media persons that a consensus seemed to be emerging on the formation of the proposed state earlier, but now some people have changed their stand. <br/><br/>On the resignations by MLAs in Andhra Pradesh on the issue, the Congress said the resignations are only a reflection of the sentiments of the members and the party is very much in control of the situation.<br/><br/>The BJP alleged that Centre has messed up the issue of creation of Telangana by making a announcement without proper consultation with all stakeholders. <br/><br/>Meanwhile, Home Secretary G K Pillai has clarified that he had not stated that Hyderabad will be the Capital of Telangana. In a clarification, the Home Ministry said that the issue of the Capital for the proposed new State of Talangana is a matter that is to be decided by consensus and by the Centre.<br/><br/>Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Kumari Mayawati has sought creation of Bundelkhand and Western Uttar Pradesh out of Uttar Pradesh. In a letter to Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, she has favoured smaller states on the lines of Telangana.<br/><br/>Meanwhile, Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) met Union Home Minister P Chidambaram on Friday and demanded the creation of a separate Gorkhaland. Expelled BJP leader and Darjeeling MP Jaswant Singh, who was part of the GJM delegation, said the demand for the state of Gorkhaland was the oldest demand and the proposed talks between the Centre, the GJM and West Bengal Government must be held in Darjeeling and all stake holders should participate.<br/><br/>The first delegation from Assam met also Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh demanding creation of autonomous State of Karbi Anglong and North Cachar Hills. An eight-member delegation from Karbi Anglong Autonomous District Council including MLAs and MP called on the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister P Chidambaram in New Delhi yesterday to formally announce revival of their demand.<br/>The delegation included Biren Singh Engti, MP, Chief Executive Member of Karbi Anglong Autonomous District Council, Joy Ram Engleng among others.<br/><br/>The Prime Minister has advised the delegation to first discuss their problems with Assam Chief Minister, Tarun Gogoi and assured that the Centre would look into their problems. Meanwhile, Assam Chief Minister Gogoi has informed in State assembly that his Government is not in favour of further division of the state.
News On AIR | December 12, 2009 8:51 AM
Crisis deepens in AP; 136 MLAs resign over Telangana