CPI vows to support Telangana bill in Rajya Sabha

Communist Party of India (CPI) leader D. Raja on Wednesday said his party would support the Telangana bill in the Rajya Sabha. The bill is meant to divide Andhra Pradesh in two parts.

"The CPI has taken a stand in support of separate Telangana state. In fact, we had a series of discussions within our party in Andhra Pradesh and on national level. Since the Lok Sabha passed the bill. It is going to be taken in the Rajya Sabha. Our party will support it," he said.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Lok Sabha passed the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Bill by voice vote.

Several members of parliament of the opposition parties like the Janata Dal (United), and the Trinamool Congress (TMC), however, had staged a walkout in protest over the manner in which the Bill was tabled and passed in the House.

Commenting on the formation of Third Front, Raja said his party was working with CPI (M) despite differences as they wanted to provide an alternative of a non-Congress non-BJP government to people.

"We have differences with CPI (M) on certain issues but we have decided to work together so that we can give an alternative of a non-Congress non-BJP government to people," he said.