File picture of United Andhra Pradesh supporters protesting against formation of Telangana outside the Secretariat in Hyderabad
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy today asked the central government to address all issues before taking any step to form separate Telangana state.
Addressing a news conference in Hyderabad this evening, he came out openly against formation of Telangana state, saying bifurcation would lead to many complications.
Nine days after the Congress Working Committee (CWC) resolved to carve out Telangana state, the chief minister said the central government should address all issues including status of Hyderabad before taking any step.
Even while stating that he is not against the CWC decision, Kiran Kumar Reddy voiced apprehensions of people of Seemandhra (Rayalaseema and Andhra regions).
Mr Reddy, a leader from Rayalaseema, demanded that four-member constituted by Congress and the ministerial group to be formed by the union cabinet should address all issues and give clarity to people before taking any step.
He claimed that only Congress had taken the decision and now the central government would consult the state and the issue would be debated in the assembly.
He wanted the two committees to give clarity on issues like sharing of river water, electricity among two states, status of Hyderabad and the future of Seemandhra employees living in Hyderabad.
Mr Reddy revealed that during the meeting with Congress president Sonia Gandhi, he opposed state's division. He said he also signed a note prepared by Congress leaders from Seemandhra opposing bifurcation.
He appealed to Seemandhra employees to reconsider the decision to go on strike from August 12. He promised to arrange a meeting with the Congress committee headed by AK Antony in Hyderabad. He said employees, students, NGOs and other sections of people can express their views before the panel.