Let’s reconstruct Telangana State: KCR

• Launches logo for Telangana Union of Working Journalists
• Cautions ‘Seemandhra’ media against ‘false stories’
• Says the media should not insult local dialect
• Promises journos house sites, free travel across T etc

Hyderabad :The Telangana Journalists’ Federation which transformed itself into Telangana Union of Working Journalists (TUWJ) on Sunday received an overwhelming response from across the region. Themed as ‘Telangana Jatara’, the public meeting held at Exhibition Ground was attended by politicians, social activists and intellectuals, apart from editors.

TRS chief K Chandrasekhar Rao who launched the logo of TUWJ lauded the sincerity, courage and unwavering efforts of journalists in achieving the State. He said that there was no need to be afraid of anyone, as people’s aspirations were achieved.

Recalling the sacrifices of hundreds of martyrs, he pointed out that the leadership overcame several conspiracies placed on the way in separate State.

Emphasizing the need to shift focus towards reconstruction, he held that there was no need to discuss about residual AP and its leadership, and they should work together to alleviate poverty in the State. He felt that Telangana society should recover from the devastation, which was brought upon the population by the Seemandhra leadership.

The TRS chief announced sops for journalists like land for housing, accreditation cards and free travel throughout the new state in RTC buses. He also announced construction of a building for Telangana journalists and promised to push for striking off several cases against journalists. Referring to a story, which appeared in a vernacular news paper, he warned the ‘Seemandhra media’ to stop publishing ‘false stories’ in the name of information. He refuted the news report that Telangana had not been allocated permission for new industries. According to him, both the States would be getting support from the Centre. He also cautioned ‘Seemandhra media’ against venturing to ridicule the local dialect in their programmes.

CPI state secretary K Narayana asked people not to speak for criminals in the general elections, as it would undermine the very purpose of Telangana State. He also cautioned against elements who want to reap the fruits of bifurcation without having played any role in the Telangana movement. He felt that the agitation would have continued in two regions had the bifurcation was not achieved.

Former minister K Jana Reddy asked the journalists to continue to strive for reconstruction of Telangana to fulfill the aspirations of the people and restore the communal harmony in the new State. The journalists should come up with proposals so that all the political parties include them in their respective manifestos. He felt that the future government of Telangana should be transparent and should prove an example for the entire nation.

TRS secretary general K Keshav Rao called upon all the people to take active participation in the reconstruction similar to the fight taken up for achieving Telangana. He felt that the martyrs and their aspirations should not be let down.

MP R Anand Bhasker felt that the Telangana would face huge challenges during the next 10 years to come. He too hoped that the people would come together to built a strong and vibrant Telangana.

BJP state president G Kishan Reddy said that the Telangana was achieved after long history of sacrifices by the people. He lauded the efforts of journalists in keeping the spirits high during the Telangana agitation.

Social activist Balladeer Gaddar stressed on the need for objective reporting and to debate on redistribution of resources in Telangana, so that people from various sections do not regret bifurcation. Editor-in-Chief of The Hans India and HMTV K Ramachandra Murthy emphasised on the need for media’s role as ‘watchdog’ and to play a critical role for reconstruction of society based on values.

Ganta Chakrapani, political analyst, senior journalists P Yadagiri, and Ashok Tankasala, Editors Allam Narayana and K Srinivas, Social activists, M Veda Kumar, C Vittal and several others spoke at the public meeting.