T Cong MLAs extend support to Million March

The Congress MLAs from Telangana on Wednesday stated that they would extend their full support and cooperation to the ‘Million March’ called by the Telanana Political Joint Action Committee on March 10.

The MLAs also refused to heed requests by Ministers J Geetha Reddy, Basavaraj Saraiah and Komtireddy Venkata Reddy to end their boycott of the Assembly Sessions and take part in the proceedings. They said that their boycott would continue till Deputy Speaker Nadendla Manohar agrees to a resolution on the Telangana issue.

Speaking to media persons at the Assembly Media Point, party MLA Addepalli Mohan said that though the ruling party cannot officially take part in the Million March since it has not been given permission by the police, the MLAs in their personal capacity wholeheartedly support the planned massive rally.

Mr Mohan and his party colleagues had earlier staged a silent protest at the Gandhi statue on the Assembly premises after circumambulating the Assembly Hall.

The MLA later said that he and his party colleagues from the region would step up pressure on the Centre by organizing a series of agitations if the Centre fails to introduce the Telangana Bill in Parliament. He demanded that the Centre stand by the announcement by Union Home Minister P Chidambaram on December 9, 2009 and speed up the process for Telangana formation, therefore fulfilling the aspirations of the people.

Another MLA Rajanna said the Telangana Congress MLAs and MLCs have decided to take out a rally on March 11 and later meet the Deputy Speaker demanding discussion on Telangana in the Assembly. He added that the Telangana Ministers would press for the introduction of Telangana Bill during their meeting with Congress president Sonia Gandhi on March 12 in New Delhi.

Mr Rajanna expressed confidence that the Ministers would get a clear statement from Ms Sonia Gandhi on the contentious issue.

The MLA further added that the boycott of the Assembly Sessions would continue at least till March 12, and a further decision on this would be taken after the outcome of the Ministers’ meeting with Ms Gandhi is known. Nearly 20 MLAs and MLCs attended the silent procession.