New Delhi:
Congress leader Digvijaya Singh speaks to NDTV on the Telangana Bill which was rejected by a majority in the Andhra Pradesh assembly, posing a moral dilemma for the Centre.
Here are the highlights:- From Day 1 we had decided that on this issue, we would allow Congress people to air their views independently
- We have not been enforcing our views on Andhra Congress leaders
- Regional parties TDP and YSR Congress have gone back on their words
- We are in control of all issues except the issue of bifurcation. We have allowed them to air their views
- You must have noticed that debate on Telangana Bill was held in Andhra assembly and more than 8000 amendments were moved
- The GOM will look into amendments suggested by Andhra Pradesh assembly and on the basis of that we will place the bill in Parliament
- We are attempting to get the bill passed. Can't pass the bill till we have opposition's support
- Telangana Bill will be voted on in this session of Parliament
- Hoping BJP will stand by their commitment to support bifurcation
- Telangana will be voted on in this session of the Parliament
- I'm like a punching bag, anyone can come and punch me; personal attacks (by Kiran Kumar Reddy) don't matter
- Don't want to comment on what KCR has said, leave it to the conscience of Kiran Kumar Reddy
- It was an opportunity for Kiran Kumar Reddy to emerge as a statesman, he emerged more like a regional leader
- Where is the time to look for a new Chief Minister? We have elections in two months.
- Not only in 2009, in 2004 also Andhra Pradesh contributed to formation of UPA
- After taking a decision, you can't expect the Congress party to go back
- As far as election results are concerned, we have taken a decision not on the basis of how many seats we'll get
- It is not a political decision taken by the Congress, it is to fulfil the long-standing aspirations of the people
- We have had the widest discussions
- If you are saying BJP is going to do business with Chandra Babu Naidu and Jagan both, then I am surprised
- TDP and YSR are poles apart, both said they would support Telangana. They have now gone back on their word
- In politics there are no permanent friends or permanent enemies
- Action against Jagan was not out of political vendetta...he has been a part of the Congress Party
- We owe our victory in 2004 and 2009 to YSR (his father) who was a dear friend of mine
- If opposition parties cooperate, 100 per cent Telangana will become a reality