Telangana state: Jagan says draconian era in AP

YSR Congress party president, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy held his first press conference. Addressing the media, Jagan slammed Congress party and the way in which Andhra Pradesh was divided.

Excerpts from his speech...

· Sitaram Yechury walked out of the Rajya Sabha in protest against the way division is being handled. Can't they see it?

· The prime minister finishes his speech in ten minutes. He reads out just one and half page letter. The agony is they have said get out of Hyderabad after ten years and that you can't stay beyond ten years. Is it fair?

· In the entire speech of the PM, there's no mention of money for the new capital..they haven't even spoken about how much money they will give, how long they will take..nothing..they just say get out of Hyderabad without funds for the capital..Is this democracy?

· Having taken Hyderabad out of Seemandhra, there will be a 15000 cr revenue deficit, this was the case in 2013. We must not forget that every year, this deficit will increase by 13%. In the PM's speech only one year has been mentioned...but what happens later...no time frame

· Hyderabad, the engine of growth took 60 years to get there..how many years will it take for another city to come to this stge, to bridge the revenue gap how long will it take?

· He spoke about special category status for 5 years. It's common knowledge that for any industry to stabilize, it takes at least 3-5 years (gestational period ) to settle down..if the special category status itself is 5 years, how can it serve any purpose?

· No assurance on finances for Polavaram. What happens to famer disputes? Water disputes exist even now when state is in its united form..what happens when the state is officially divided?

· Srisailam's gate is between the two regions. There's no mention of no tampering zone. Is this the way bifurcation takes place? Is this the way democracy prevails?

· All this is happening only because you have an election, the schedule will be out in ten days time. So, you are rushing it off...is it right on the part of a political outfit to get into a situation where a state can never recover for the sake of 17 seats?

· The BJP, being the main opposition party has to come out and oppose this, but they don't go against Congress but instead vote for the division

· A Prime Minister who will no longer remain in his power post two months releases a press note. Will this be valid? Where are we? In Pakistan too, people will not face such a situation.

· I am requesting the entire media, social media to come to the aid of my state and stop this injustice

· AP is ushering in a new draconian era which will set a dangerous precedent. We have sought an appointment with the President today or tomorrow. We shall meet him if allowed. But I am not sure if he will be in a position to help us. We will also approach courts. But we request the media to take up our case and help us win it. Thank you