Union minister calls decision on Telangana undemocratic

Union Textiles Minister K. Sambasiva Rao Sunday termed "undemocratic" the central government's decision to go ahead with the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh despite the state legislature rejecting the state reorganization bill.

He told reporters at Tanuku in West Godavari district that history will not forgive those dividing the state for votes.

Rao said he will wait till the last minute and announce his decision on the issue during the voting on the Telangana bill in parliament. He was apparently hinting at voting against the bill.

He, however, made it clear that he would continue in the Congress. He said he had no information about Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy planning to float a new party.

The central minister, who faced the protests by 'samaikyandhra' or united Andhra activists during his visit, said he was of the view that the state should remain united.

He said he believed that the leaders from Telangana brought pressure on the central government, citing lack of development in the region. Quoting Srikrishna Committee report, he said Telangana witnessed more development than Seemandhra.

On the demand for resignation of all ministers from Seemandhra, Rao said if his resignation could help resolve the issue, he was ready to quit.

Union Tourism Minister K. Chiranjeevi also faced the protests during his visit to West Godavari district.

Smaikyandhra activists stopped his convoy when Chiranjeevi was returning after unveiling statue of Telugu actor S. V. Ranga Rao in Rajahmudry. The protestors raised slogans and demanded his resignation. They also clashed with police, who used mild force to disperse them.