Disruptions to Racha Banda will not cow down govt: CM

The ongoing tussle between activists of the Telangana Rashtra Samithi who, along with other separate Telangana protagonists, have been successful in taking the focus away from the prestigious Racha Banda programme to the separate statehood issue, on Friday forced Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy to declare that the government would not be cowed down.

Mr Kiran Kumar Reddy’s strong reaction came after the TRS activists forced yet another disruption of the programme at KC Thanda in Maheswaram in Ranga Reddy district. The TRS activists, along with TDP workers resorted to shouting slogans and demanded that the government clarify its stand on the separate statehood issue. The Chief Minister tried to calm down the protestors, but to no avail as some women too raised slogans.

The police then entered the scene and took the protestors into custody.

Speaking to media persons later, Mr Kiran Kumar Reddy said that state government would not cow down to threats or to the obstructions by the Telangana Rashtra Samithi or members of any other party. “No one can dictate terms on Telangana issue and threaten the government,” he said.

The Chief Minister added, “the Centre would take a decision on Telangana statehood issue at appropriate time. “Whatever decision the Centre takes on Telangana issue, the state would abide to it.”

Mr Kiran Kumar Reddy further appealed to the leaders of all the political parties to help in the smooth conducting of the Racha Banda programme so that it goes ahead in peace. He also pointed out that the programme is aimed to benefit the people.

The Chief Minister further tried to allay the fears of the region’s people by saying, “There is no need to worry on the Telangana issue. The Centre will take a decision on this,” he said.

Mr Kiran Kumar Reddy added that the Congress party will stand by its promise on Telangana state. 

Later, the teacher aspirants obstructed the Racha Banda programme demanding posting orders for them.

Raising slogans against the Chief Minister, the teacher aspirants, who were not selected in DSC-2008 due to reservations, staged a dharna and obstructed the Racha Banda programme.

However, the Mr Kiran Kumar Reddy agreed to take a decision on their issue after consulting the education department officials.

Later the Chief Minister distributed Aadhar cards to the beneficiaries.

Earlier, Mr Kiran Kumar Reddy laid a foundation stone for power sub-station to be constructed at a cost of Rs 56 crore. The substation will supply power to the FABCITY to be constructed in the city.

He also laid the foundation stone for a Rs 40 crore drinking water project, which will supply Krishna water to 121 villages in Maheswaram mandal, besides foundation stones for a bus station and fire station.