Kiran launching party

• It will uphold Telugu pride and strive for all Telugus’ welfare
• He will reveal details at a meeting in Rajahmundry on Mar 12
• Congress, BJP connived to divide Andhra Pradesh
• All rules, conventions, procedures given go-by
• Even TDP and YSRCP played their part in division
• PM claimed he was hurt by rushing of Ministers to the Well
• But, he did not care for the feelings of Seemandhra people
• Kiran ready to face any probe into his decisions as the CM

Hyderabad: Former Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy, who has been wavering on the issue of launching a political party, has finally made up his mind and announced his decision to form a new party to uphold Telugu pride and strive for the cause of Telugu people.

Addressing a press conference here on Thursday, Kiran said the party's name, agenda and other details would be disclosed at the launch of party at a public meeting at Rajahmundry on March 12. He said that the main objective of his party would be uphold the prestige and dignity of Telugu people which, he said, had been hurt very badly by the bifurcation of the State.

Lashing out at Congress and BJP, Kiran said that at every juncture they violated rules, conventions and procedures laid down by the Constitution, and insulted the Telugu people. The sentiments of the Telugus were completely dishonoured by them.

He alleged that even the TDP and YSRCP compromised on their policies and helped the Centre in bifurcation of the State. It was a matter of disgrace that the leader of opposition N Chandrababu Naidu, who had ruled the state for nine years and had been the opposition leader for 10 years, did not give his opinion in the State Assembly when the draft bill was referred to the legislature. “It is a sorry state of affairs that Naidu wants to become the Chief Minister without caring for the State.”

Kiran alleged that even though the BJP leaders described the Telangana Bill as defective, yet they supported it. Similarly, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said he felt hurt when four ministers rushed to the well of the Lok Sabha, but he did not feel the pain of Telugu people while dividing the State.

According to sources, Kiran will name his new party as Samaikyandhra Party which is already registered with the election commission. A pair of chappals is likely to be the party symbol.

Prior to the decision, Kiran had held a series of meetings with several of his close confidants. Though the speculations were rife that he would launch his party soon after resigning as Chief Minister and quitting Congress party, Kiran could not take a decision as the ministers and MLAs who were with him till he resigned started deserting him later.

When asked about a possible probe into the files cleared by him towards the fag-end of his tenure as the Chief Minister, Kiran said that he was ready to face any probe into the allegations.

He said several major decisions were taken to protect the interests of the State. They include cancellation of deals pertaining to Knowledge Park, Nizam's Sugar Factory and Sompeta land allocation.