United Andhra supporters hold protest outside PM residence

Demonstration came ahead of the meeting of the Cabinet where UPA ministers approved the proposed bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh

Scores of pro-united Andhra activists, including TDP Rajya Sabha MP CM Ramesh, held a protest outside the Prime Minister's residence here this evening against the move to create a separate Telangana state.

The demonstration came ahead of the meeting of the Union Cabinet where UPA ministers approved the proposed bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh.

"For 65 days now in the Seemandhra areas, a total of 10 lakh employees, including teachers, have been taking to the roads (in protest).

"In the last 35 days, the issue was taken up in Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha. Our leader, Chandrababu Naidu, met the prime minister, the President, and other leaders and demanded that they should listen to our problems before deciding on the bifurcation," Ramesh said.

"Before taking any action, we demand that... They should first listen to what the problems of the citizens are," said Ramesh.

"If the people are satisfied, then go for the bifurcation. The Congress government is not listening. It is for the first time in Indian political history that a state bifurcation proposal is being tabled in this form," he added.

He said that Congress had okayed the proposal only to secure political gains in the coming elections.

"We will take this issue to the public of Andhra Pradesh. Congress has entered into an agreement with TRS on the one hand and YSR Congress on the other for political gains in the upcoming elections," Ramesh said.

Around 50 protesters started their stir in front of the PM's 7, Race Course Road residence at 5.15 P.M., remaining there till 6 P.M. Police dispersed the protesters while detaining some of them.