Jupally launches padayatra for T

Endowment Minister Jupally Krishna Rao on Thursday stated that he was ready to sacrifice his Minister’s post for the cause of Telangana state formation.

Talking to media persons after launching his Telangana Praja Abhiyan Padayatra from Martyrs Statue at Clock Tower in Mahabubnagar district, the Minister stated that the march was aimed to unite the various leaders and people who are fighting for the sake of a separate Telangana state.

Mr Krishna Rao said that he was ready to sacrifice his Ministerial post for the cause of Telangana. “I am even ready to sacrifice my life for the cause of separate Telangana state formation,” the Minister asserted.

Mr Krishna Rao had earlier submitted his resignation from his Cabinet post, saying that he wanted to fight for the separate statehood demand without the burden of responsibilities. However, his resignation is yet to be accepted.

The Minister expressed confidence that the Congress president Sonia Gandhi will not cheat Telangana people and honour the promise made by Union Home Minister P Chidambaram on December 9, 2009.

He also expressed confidence that Ms Gandhi will make a clear announcement in June over the separate statehood demand once the results of the elections held for five Assemblies were announced by the Election Commission.

When asked if the Centre fails to make any announcement on Telangana statehood demand by June, the Minister stated that he would participate in the Telangana agitation and fight for achieving separate state.

“I will continue my padayatra till I achieve the Telangana state regardless if others support me or not,” he said. Mr Krishna Rao added, “I will act as per the wishes and aspirations of the Telangana people.”

Meanwhile, the Telangana Intellectuals Forum has extended its support to the Minister’s padayatra.