Reddy's remarks over Telangana criticised

His comments on the bifurcation of the state drew flak from leaders of Telangana

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy's views on bifurcation of the state has drawn flak from leaders of Telangana region including his deputy C Damodar Rajanarasimha.

"Hyderabad is a global city. It is an integral part of Telangana and as per Constitution anybody can live and work here," Rajanarasimha said at 'Meet the Press' organised by Telangana Journalists Forum here.

Rajanarasimha was reacting to a question on the status of Hyderabad city after the division.

Reddy had yesterday said that the formation of Telangana ought to begin only after addressing complicated issues such as water, power sharing between Telangana and (new) Andhra Pradesh besides the status of Hyderabad city in future.

The CM had also said that Telangana region will face power shortage, while coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema regions may face water crisis if they are separated without addressing the problems adequately.

Rajanarasimha said if there is power crisis after formation, Telangana state will buy power in open market and can spend Rs 5,000 crore for the purpose.

He also said that 6000 mw power can be produced by spending Rs 40,000 crore after formation of Telangana.

Referring to history, he said as chief ministers from Telangana region ruled Andhra Pradesh state only for 12 years out of 55 years of statehood, it is evident who neglected water issues.

Senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha member V Hanumath Rao termed the chief minister's comments as "unfortunate" and suggested that the CM should abide by the party high command's decision as a sincere party worker.

Another senior leader and former minister K Venkata Reddy found fault with CM's remarks and demanded that Kiran Kumar Reddy step down immediately as he failed to obey party high command's decision.