YSR Congress demands Andhra assembly session

YSR Congress party is seeking an immediate session of Andhra Pradesh assembly to pass a resolution demanding the central government keep the state united.

A delegation of party leaders led by party president Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy will call on Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan Sep 30 to demand he immediately convene the session, said party sources.

Jagan, who was released on bail Tuesday after nearly 16 months in jail, wants the assembly to pass a resolution for keeping the state united before the central government sends a resolution for formation of a separate Telangana state.

YSR Congress leader Shobha Nagi Reddy said the party legislators would meet Speaker N. Manohar to urge him accept their resignations after the passing of the resolution by the assembly to oppose bifurcation.

All 17 legislators of the party have already submitted their resignations to oppose the Congress decision to divide the state.

Some of the legislators Thursday morning reached assembly building to meet the speaker but he was not available.

Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and a section of Congress leaders from Seemandhra (Rayalaseema and coastl Andhra) alleged that YSR Congress was trying to create a situation wherein Telangana resolution can be passed easily in the assembly as the resignations would bring down the strength of Seemandhra legislators.

TDP leader P. Keshav alleged that YSR Congress was helping in formation of Telangana state under a deal with Congress leadership. He claimed that Jagan got bail under this deal.

Meanwhile, Animal Husbandry Minister P. Viswaroop Thursday submitted his resignation to the governor to protest the decision to bifurcate the state.

He told reporters that he would continue as a legislator to vote against Telangana bill whenever it is brought in the assembly. He said if the central government takes further steps to divide the state, he would quit the Congress. Viswaroop is reportedly planning to join YSR Congress party.