“YSR was a party to Telangana decision”

New Delhi, Aug 10: AICC General Secretary Digvijay Singh on Saturday claimed that former chief minister late YS Rajasekhara Reddy was a party to the decision taken in favour of formation of Telangana.

“The bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh was initiated when YSR was the CLP leader in 1999. He was also a party to the manifesto which we released in 2004. He was also a party when Congress had an alliance with the TRS. He was also a party when a statement was made on the floor of the House,” Digvijay Singh said while reacting to the resignations given by YSRCP President Jagan Mohan Reddy and his mother Vijayamma from the posts.

Stating that the Congress party held YSR in the highest esteem, he appealed to his family members to accept the decision. He said that the announcement was the continuation of efforts for creation of Telangana.

When asked about Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy’s recent statements on Telangana, Digvijay Singh made it clear that the Chief Minister did not challenge the decision taken by the Congress Working Committee. “I have seen his press conference. He only said that the issues that arise after bifurcation should be resolved. It is a logical stand taken by him,” he said.

Digvijay Singh ruled out taking any action against the Chief Minister and said he had spoken to him and he was quite satisfied.

The AICC General Secretary also dismissed fears that the Telangana decision would have an impact on the students and businessmen. He said in a democratic country like India, every citizen was free to study, stay and do business anywhere. Therefore, he said that the people should not be afraid of any implications.

Digvijay Singh also said that the Congress party has taken the decision after talking to all political parties and after having the almost consensus on bifurcation. He said that the Congress party would never review on its decision. “People may say one thing and do another. But the Congress party has always stood by its commitment. The stand was taken only after detailed discussion and deliberations with all concerned,” he said.

- INN