Protect unity and integrity of State: Seemandra leaders

The Seemandra Congress leaders on Saturday stated that it was the responsibility of Centre to protect the unity and integrity of the state.

Addressing the day-long round-table conference being held at IV Palace in the city, the Seemandra Congress leaders, opposing the division of state, resolved to protect the integrity of state.

Talking to media persons after the round-table conference, Seemandra Forum convener Mr S Sailajanath stated that Seemandra leaders were not lagging behind in submitting their resignation to elected representative posts. He said they would sacrifice anything for the integration of state.

Health Minister Dr. D L Ravindra Reddy said that he was officially not discharging his duties and boycotting review meetings in support of integration of state.

Former Minister J C Diwakar Reddy alleged the Telangana leaders, who are hungry for power, are agitating for Telangana eyeing on posts. He said the people of the state are favorable for the integration of state.

According to sources, the round-table conference also discussed the future course of action to be adopted for the integration of state.

The meeting unanimously recommended Center to adopt Justice Srikrishna Commission recommendations before taking any decision on the controversial statehood issue.

The meeting also defended the Congress In-Charge of State Affairs Ghulam Nabi Azad that the passing of Assembly resolution was mandatory for the formation of Telangana.

The conference pointed out that the bifurcation of state issue can be solved only through dialogue and appealed to Centre and Congress high command to begin the process of consultations with people of both regions.

The Seemandra leaders also discussed the strategy to be adopted in the event of Centre takes favorable decision on Telangana.

The Congress leaders have decided to submit a representation to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Andhra Pradesh affairs chief Ghulam Nabi Azad, Union Home Minister P Chidambaram and Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee in New Delhi on July 19 and present their views and demands.