Lagadapati to quit politics 'if AP is bifurcated'

Vijayawada,Dec 16: Silencing his detractors who criticised that he was eyeing the coveted post of the Chief Minister in the event of the bifurcation of the state, Vijayawada MP Lagadapati Rajagopal on Wednesday made it clear that he would quit politics if the Centre went ahead with theTelangana state formation moves.Lagadapati told media persons on Wednesday that he would continue his fast till the Centre takes a clear stand on the proposed formation of Telangana state bifurcating the unified Andhra Pradesh.

“I will quit politics if the Centre takes a decision against united Andhra Pradesh,” he said, adding “we will oppose all efforts that are being made against separate Telangana”.The Telangana Congress leaders had earlier cautioned the Vijayawada MP against provoking the people of the region through his proposed padayatra. Lagadapati, however, suggested that he is not to be cowed down by such warnings and ruled out contesting the byelections in case the Assembly was dissolved.Earlier, the Telangana Congress leaders accused Lagadapati of opposing a separate Telangana state to protect his ‘business interests.’