Minister Balaraju supports Telangana Bill

Tribal Welfare Minister P Balaraju on Wednesday announced that he would abide by the decision of Congress High Command on Telangana issue.

Participating in the debate on State Reorganisation Bill in the State Legislative Assembly, Balaraju said that he would support the Telangana Bill as the decision to bifurcate Andhra Pradesh has been taken by the Congress High Command. He demanded setting up of Visakhapatnam Institute of Medical Sciences on the lines of AIMS of Delhi. Further, he said that Tribal Development Councils should be established for the development of 120 backward tribal areas in the Seemandhra region. He said steps should be taken for the serious implementation of SC, ST Sub-Plan in both the States.

Balaraju also demanded that the Centre should take the responsibility of solving drinking water problems in Seemandhra region and protection should be ensured for the Seemandhra people living in Hyderabad and other parts of Telangana region. He also demanded release of funds for the early completion of Polavaram Project, which is being the status of National Project.

The minister's announcement triggered severe protest from the Seemandhra MLAs, especially those belonging to TDP. They shouted the slogans of "shame" against Balaraju. However, the TRS MLAs came to the rescue of Balaraju when the TDP MLAs trooped into the well. Despite several request from Deputy Speaker Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, who was on the chair, the TDP MLAs did not resume their chair.

Intervening on the issue, Finance Minister Anam Ramnarayana Reddy condemned the behaviour of TDP MLAs against a tribal minister. He said Balaraju was free to express his views and no one could be forced to support or oppose the Bill.

TRS Deputy leader T Harish Rao also condemned the TDP MLAs for criticising Balaraju for supporting the draft Telangana Bill. This led to heated argument between the TDP and TRS MLAs and both almost came to blows forcing the Deputy Speaker to adjourn the House for five minutes.