Minister denies proposing Rayala-Telangana

Minor Irrigation Minister T G Venkatesh on Saturday dismissed the reports that appeared in a section of media that the Rayala-Telangana proposal was made by him.

Talking to media persons, Venkatesh said that he never proposed Rayala Telangana and alleged that the media has wrongly interpreted his statement. He said that the Rayalaseema leaders wanted the State to remain united and opposed the its division tooth and nail. He said that the leaders from Rayalaseema region neither proposed and nor supported the Rayala-Telangana proposal.

Venkatesh said that some vested elements were dragging the name of Rayalaseema leaders to get mileage on the issue. If the State has to be divided on regional basis, he demanded that the Rayalaseema region be paid a compensation of Rs 1 lakh crore. He said that the Rayalaseema leaders would agitate for Greater Rayalaseema State in the case of bifurcation of State becomes imminent.

The minister expressed confidence that the Centre would take a favourable decision on the statehood issue by respecting the sentiments and aspirations of people.