Rajagopal vows to step up anti-Telangana protests

Congress leader Lagadapati Rajagopal, who recently resigned as MP over the decision to split Andhra Pradesh, today vowed to continue the agitation for the unified state until Centre withdraws its decision on proposed creation of Telangana.
"Congress decided to bifurcate the state even though 89 per cent people are supporting the unified state. The leaders in Delhi are not aware of it. Therefore, the agitation has to be continued until the Centre decides not to split the state," he said.
He said the creation of Telangana will lead to several new issues like water disputes and will add to the woes of farmers.

Rajagopal, however, urged the Andhra Pradesh Non-Gazetted Officers Association (APNGOs) to withdraw their proposed indefinite strike against division of state, beginning from August 12.
The APNGOs Association president P Ashok Babu has urged the Congress Working Committee to reconsider its decision on the formation of Telangana.
"The CWC should honour the feelings and sentiments of majority of public representatives, including chief minister, union and state ministers, MPs, MLAs and MLCs, who are against the bifurcation...The decision has been made for political gains at the cost of people," he said.
In Kakinada, chairman of Andhra Pradesh Micro and Small Enterprises Development Corporation (MSEDC) B V Ramarao has appealed to Centre to dissolve Andhra Pradesh assembly and impose President's rule, alleging the administration has came to a standstill due to ongoing protest.