Kiran to launch new party on March 12

Hyderabad, March 6 (INN): Former Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy on Thursday announced that he would launch a new political party on March 12.

Addressing a press conference here, Kiran Kumar Reddy said that the party's name, agenda and other details would be disclosed at the launch of party in a public meeting at Rajahmundry on March 12.

He said that the main object of his party would be uphold the prestige and dignity of Telugu people which was hurt very badly due to the way Andhra Pradesh was divided.

"Two national parties - Congress and BJP and two regional parties - TDP and YSRCP, did injustice to the Telugu people," Kiran said. At every juncture, they either violated the rules, conventions and procedures. It was an insult for all Telugu people.

While accusing TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu of adopting a dual stand and not opposing the bifurcation, he charged YSRCP president Jagan Mohan Reddy of secretly helping the State's division.

He alleged that the BJP leaders described the Telangana Bill as defective, but supported it. Similarly, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh said he felt hurt when four ministers rushed to the well of the Lok Sabha. But he did not feel the pain of Telugu people while dividing the State, he said.

Kiran said that the sentiments of Telugu people were completely dishonoured and there is not a single party that cares for the Telugu pride and self-respect. When asked whether his party would contest from Telangana, he said the new party would contest from all the places.

"It is unfortunate that a leader like Chandrababu Naidu could not give his opinion for a united State and he did not give his opinion even in Assembly. It is unfortunate and disgraceful," he said adding that since people would have used NOTA (None Of The Option) in next elections, the new party is being launched.

When asked about a possible probe into the files cleared by him at the fag end of his tenure as the Chief Minister, Kiran said that he was ready to face any probe into the allegations.

He said several major decisions were taken to protect the interest of the State. They include cancellation of deals pertaining to Knowlege Park, Nizam's Sugar Factory and Somapet land allocation.

Kiran made it clear that he never announced that he would take political 'sanyas'. He said that the new party was being launched not for the posts, but to uphold the dignity and prestige of Telugu people.