Let us focus on future and not past: JP

Hyderabad, Feb 18 (INN): 'It is not a time for either triumphalism or sorrow; it is the time for resolute, united action to build a better future for all Telugu people', said Lok Satta Party national President Jayaprakash Narayan today on the passage of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Bill in the Lok Sabha. 'Now we must focus on future and not the past'.

In a media statement, JP appealed to Telugu people not to allow seeds of discord to affect our lives and livelihood. 'The political games the parties play should not affect the future of our society. Telugus have a long and distinguished history, distinct culture, language and literature.

The bonds of unity among people are much stronger than political boundaries that are drawn. We must all work for the betterment of all the three regions in the coming years. We must al raise our voice together if an issue that affects all Telugu people arises and ensure that the future is secure.'

Commenting on the way the Bill has been passed JP said it is a classic case of how a new State is not to be formed. 'It is well known that creation of a Telangana State has been a long pending demand of people in Telangana region.

While forming a State, it is necessary to ensure that there are no winners or losers and that all people emerge as winners. Unfortunately, the UPA Government and the Lok Sabha have failed to reconcile the conflicting nterests of all the three regions in the JP said, 'A wise and enlightened leadership would have handled the sensitive issue with foresight, vision and wisdom and carried all the three regions with it.

But the way the whole issue is handled and the bill drafted and passed by the Lok Sabha is a classic case of how a new State should not be formed.'

He recalled the Lok Satta Party had suggested specific amendments to ensure a sound economic future for all the regions of the State and see to it that deficits do not plague either State in the coming years. Both the UP Government and the main Opposition party have publicly acknowledged the strength of the issues raised and repeatedly assured incorporation of the amendments in the Bill.

'However, there is no clarity on the final provisions in the Bill. Both the Government and the main Opposition Party should have reached out to the nation and given confidence to all the three regions that the provisions have been incorporated. They have, however, failed to do so. It is vital that these provisions are incorporated in full measure in a credible and transparent manner.'

JP pointed out that the Lok Satta has all along maintained that creation of a new State will not alter anything significantly. A lot of work needs to be done to bring Government to people, give economic opportunity to every child, create jobs, end corruption and re-instill confidence in the democratic process.'