Pocharam resigns from Assembly, joins TRS

After formally handing over his resignation letter to Deputy Speaker Nadendla Manohar, senior leader Pocharam Srinivas Reddy on Friday stated that he was ready to sacrifice anything for the sake of Telangana state formation.

Mr Srinivas Reddy was speaking to media persons at the Assembly Media Point where he declared that he was now a member of the Telangana Rashtra Samithi. He had earlier parted ways from the Telugu Desam Party, on whose ticket he was elected to the Banswada Assembly constituency.

Mr Srinivas Reddy said that the while he was in the TDP, his voice was muffled and he was not allowed to speak on the issues of his choice, either in the Assembly or outside. This was the primary reason behind his resignation, the MLA stated.

The MLA’s resignation has not been accepted at the time of filing this report.

Speaking in an emotionally choked voice, Mr Srinivas Reddy charge the TDP, which aligned with TRS during 2009 elections, of not honouring its promise made in its election manifesto on Telangana.

Stating that all political parties are cheating Telangana people on state issue, the MLA vowed to continue his fight for Telangana until the Centre introduces a Bill in Parliament.

His voice breaking with emotion, the MLA lamented that the Centre has not opened its eyes on Telangana statehood demand even after around 600 students committed suicides. “This is the fate of the fate of Telangana people,” he stated.

Mr Srinivas Reddy further stated that he has parted ways with the Telugu Desam Party as it has adopted an ambivalent stance on the Telangana statehood issue.

He said that the political parties should work together and respect the sentiments and aspirations of people. “The people are ‘Gods’ for elected representatives and we should respect their aspirations and wishes” the MLA stated.

He also found fault with both Central and state governments for not making efforts for addressing Telangana issue and resorting to delaying tactics.

Earlier, before handing over his resignation letter to the Deputy Speaker, Mr Srinivas Reddy made his way to the Gun Park opposite the Assembly premises and paid tributes to Martyrs, who laid down their lives for the cause of Telangana.