Kodandaram slams FM for 'T' comments

Telangana Political Joint Action Committee Chairman Prof M Kodandaram on Wednesday accused Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee of trying to dilute the Telangana agitation.

Prof Kodandaram was reacting to Pranab Mukherjee's comments wherein he stated that Telangana was a sensitive and complex issue and hence pending since 60 years. He said these comments did not suit his stature. He asked whether the comments made at his personal level or was it Congress party's stand on Telangana.

The JAC chairman said that Pranab Mukherjee has unnecessarily raised apprehensions that demand for the statehood in other states would create problems in the country. He pointed out that no agitation took place in any part of country when the NDA led government formed three states—Chattisgarh, Jharkhand and Uttaranchal. He said the TRS and JAC leaders would react if the Congress party officially defends his comments.

Prof Kodandaram said that the JAC has been gearing up enforce three-days Rail Roko from October 9-11. He said the people of region are voluntarily coming forward to organize the protest. He said that people have full confidence that the Centre would cow down to Telangana demand through organizing Rail Rokos.

Stating that excise officials participating in the employees strike would strengthen the agitation, he said the JAC was considering stopping manufacturing of liquor as it provides highest income to state exchequer.