Jaipal Reddy offers to hold talks with APNGOs

HYDERABAD: Responding to the anger being expressed in Seemandhra region against the Centre's decision to divide the state, Union science and technology minister S Jaipal Reddy on Saturday offered to hold talks with the agitating APNGOs and other sections of the society.

'The Centre has taken a policy decision in favour of bifurcation of the state. I acknowledge the intensity in Seemandhra movement. But, the concerns they are raising could be addressed,' Jaipal Reddy said.

He said that he was addressing the media not as a Union minister or a Congress leader but one interested in dousing the flames of anger of distrust.

'I am making an appeal to the APNGOs in my individual capacity,' he said, adding: ''I have friends in Seemandhra and even Seemandhra people voted me when I contested from Chevella in 2009 elections.

Jaipal Reddy said that there is no comparison between T-Bill and the recently dumped 'non-sense' Ordinance.

He said the agitation was reflecting doubts, apprehensions and concerns. 'As a nationalist I am surprised with the agitation. I do not know if any one was behind the Seemandhra agitation. But, I am appealing to the APNGOs to discuss and resolve the issues. I am ready for talks as a senior leader,' he said.

The state was formed following a Gentlemen's Agreement. When the state is divided another agreement can be reached. There should not be commotion in Seemandhra, he said.

He said that unity of Telugus and cultural unity will increase after the division of the state. Division of the state will not weaken Telugu nationality and culture, he pointed out. There was no room for doubts for employees, promotions or payment of pensions.

He pointed out that river water sharing will not be a problem post-division. Srisailam and Nagarjuna Sagar projects will be under the control of the Centre and they will be managed by inter-state tribunal. Telangana or AP chief ministers will have no power on these projects.

He said people of all cultures are living in Hyderabad. As far as business is concerned Hyderabad is an international city. No one can take away Hyderabad. Charminar is there for the last 400 years.

'I love sea shore and can buy an apartment in Visakhapatnam to live. Likewise, Seemandhra people can migrate to Hyderabad post-division. Right to buy property is guaranteed under the law. Hyderabad will be common capital for ten years. The people in Hyderabad can adjust in ten years,' he said.

The Union minister said that when NDA carved out three states it started a new convention of adopting a resolution in the respective state Assemblies. It is a new practice. Punjab state is divided without a resolution in Assembly.

There is no need to adopt a resolution in the Assembly. The Group of Ministers (GoM) has six weeks time. All the issues can be brought to its notice.

Later, the Bill will be prepared by GoM and sent to seek the views of the Assembly and later it will come to Union Cabinet. I cannot predict whether new States will be formed before December 9, he said.

Division of the state will usher in fast urbanisation. Now, there is a need to develop cities like Hyderabad. Warangal can be made another Hyderabad and new cities in Seemandhra.