Ponnam gives caste-twist to Rail Roko cases

Karimnagar Mp Ponnam Prabhakar on Thursday stated that he would lodge a complaint with the Congress High Command against Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy for allegedly making attempts to file cases against MPs during the Rail Roko as part of Telangana state agitation.

Talking to media persons, Ponnam Prabhakar alleged that the state government primarily targeted the elected representatives who belonged to SC, ST and Backward Classes elected people’s representatives in the agitation and levelling baseless charges against them to dilute the statehood agitation. Stating that the people of region observing the manoeuvres of Kiran Kumar Reddy government, he said that the MPs—G Sukender, Rajaiah and himself have decided to lodge complaint against the Chief Minister on his attitude towards Telangana leaders with the high command.

The MP said that the Telangana Congress elected representatives would convene an meeting at Exhibition Grounds on October 22 to chalk out future course of action.

He said the leaders have also decided to boycott the Andhra Pradesh State formation day celebrations on November 1.

Ponnam Prabhakar also condemned AICC official spokesperson Renuka Choudhary for speaking on behalf of protecting the interest of one region. Condemning Renuka Choudhary for speaking on behalf of Seemandhra region, he advised her to change her mind set.

Hailing Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh's statement that he was confident of reaching a win-win situation for all concerned through consultation process over Telangana statehood, he appealed to the Prime Minister to announce a roadmap for statehood with time-bound period.

Though BJP promised to give Telangana by 2014, he asked why it has not taken any decision on the same during NDA's regime in 1999. He also condemned Medak MP Vijayashanti's statement that only BJP could give Telangana State if it comes to power. "Is she trying to convey that people of the region must wait till the next election in 2014?" he asked.           

MPs Gutta sukender Reddy and S Rajaiah also attended the press conference.