PM's statement on consensus for T finds no takers

Telangana Political Joint Action Committee convenor Kodandaram on Wednesday gave evidence that he believes that the time for dialogue on the contentious issue of separate Telagana statehood is past by criticizing Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for saying that the Centre was trying to evolve consensus on the issue.

Prof Kodandaram said that the Centre, instead of evolving a consensus, should announce a time-bound process for the formation of Telangana state. The separate statehood protagonist hinted that the solution to the bifurcation demand was simple by criticizing the Prime Minister statement in which he said that the issue was complicated and dialogue is the only way forward.

Prof Kodandaram asked the Congress MLAs and MLCs to participate in the noncooperation movement call sounded by the Telangana Political Joint Action Committee instead of mortgaging self-respect and interests of Telangana people in the New Delhi.

He warned the government of serious consequences if it initiates disciplinary action against employees who participate in the noncooperation agitation.

Meanwhile Telangana Telugu Desam Party Forum convenor Nagam Janardhan Reddy also condemned the remarks made by the Prime Minister on Telangana statehood issue.

Mr Janardhan Reddy said the Prime Minister comments on Telangana hinted that the Centre was trying to delay any decision on the separate statehood issue and thus has once again cheated the people of the region.

By stating that Telangana issue was a complicated one and needs consensus the PM has hurt the sentiments and aspirations of people, Mr Janardhan Reddy said.

The Prime Minister’s statement was also greeted with dismay by the Congress MLAs and MLCs, who are camped in New Delhi.

The Congress leaders said they would not leave New Delhi until they get a concrete assurance from Centre on the issue.