Face probe as a challenge: Saraiah to Jagan

Condemning the allegations leveled by Ysr Congress Party president YS Jaganmohan Reddy that Congress party hatched conspiracy to finishing him off politically by foisting cases against him, Backward Classes Welfare Minister Basavaraj Saraiah on Thursday advised the Kadapa MP to take the Central Bureau of Investigations probe as a challenge and face it boldly.

Talking to media persons on the Assembly premises, Mr Saraiah said there was no need for the Centre and state government to foist cases against the Ysr Congress Party chief. “The law has taken its own course. There is no need for the Congress to act against Mr Jaganmohan Reddy,” the Minister said.

He added that, “Mr Jaganmohan Reddy has to respect the laws of the land and face the Central Bureau of Investigation probe as a challenge.”

The Minister described the High Court’s order as ‘historic and bold,’ and opined that through its ruling, the High Court has demonstrated that it is independent and cannot be controlled by the Central or state governments.

When asked to respond to fears expressed by a section of the leaders that bifurcation would lead to communal disturbances, Mr Saraiah said that there were no communal riots in the Telangana region. “However, the youth may adopt a path of conflict if their aspirations of a separate state are not fulfilled by taking a clear decision on Telangana,” the Minister said.

He also played down the apprehensions that Maoist activities would increase in the region if Telangana is carved out.

Mr Saraiah added that the Steering Committee of Telangana Congress leaders would take a decision on participation of Ministers in Independence Day celebrations.

Speaking separately, Labour Minister Danam Nagender took serious exception to the employees’ leaders boycotting the meeting with the Group of Ministers at the Secretariat earlier in the day.

Mr Nagender reminded that problems can be solved only through dialogue and advised the employees to attend the meeting with Chief Minister on Friday. He also appealed the employees to withdraw strike notice issued to the state government.