AP bifurcation impossible due to Article 371(D): Ashok Babu

Andhra Pradesh State Government Non Gazetted Officers' Association (APNGOA) President P Ashok Babu said here today that unless Article 371(D) of the Constitution is either amended or scrapped, Andhra Pradesh cannot be bifurcated.

He told reporters here today that convening an all party meet by the Union Home ministry to discuss the issue of bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh is merely an eye wash by the union government and the all-party meet may not serve any purpose.

However, he demanded that the union government should discuss the bifurcation issue with all stake holders and all political parties.

He said that an all-party meet should not decide major issues like bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh. He said that both the state as well as union governments are confused and prolonging the process in the name of an all-party meet and the constitution of a Group of Ministers would not be ideal.

"We do not recognise the group of ministers which deals with issues after the bifurcation," he said.

Ashok Babu said that all organisations fighting against AP's bifurcation will meet on November 4 to finalise their future course of action and also decide the dates to meet the President of India, the Prime Minister and other national leaders of political parties.

He said that the Samaikhyandhra movement for a "united" Andhra Pradesh, would be intensified when the bill is placed before the assembly either for discussion or voting.