Sharmila begins bus yatra amidst fanfare

Tirupati: YSRCP leader Sharmila on Monday demanded the rollback of the CWC decision to keep Andhra Pradesh united as the Congress-led UPA government failed to ensure equal justice to all regions in the bifurcation matter. Amid fanfare and a large gathering, she launched her bus yatra 'Samaikya Sankharavam' from Idpulapaya in Dr YSR Kadapa district on Monday and reached Tirupati where she addressed a large gathering at Leela Mahal Circle. YSRCP Honorary President Vijayamma and other leaders were also present.

Sharmila castigated the Congress Party for pursuing political gains in the division of the State, ignoring the aspirations and interests of Seemandhra region. After coming to power in 2009 largely on the support of 33 MPs from Andhra Pradesh, the UPA government did nothing for the State and was now dividing the State solely for electoral gains. As no equal justice was ensured to all regions, it had no right to divide the State. She recalled how the YSRCP leaders resigned from their posts in line with the aspirations of the people, whereas Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy and TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu for clinging to their posts and playing politics in so important an issue.

Sharmila dared TDP chief to tender resignation if he was in anyway truly concerned about the Seemandhra region’s welfare and its outburst against the divisive proposal of the CWC. As a case in point, she pointed to no assurance by Naidu to a delegation of APNGO leaders who sought his support to stop bifurcation.

Criticising the Congress, she said that it did not take into consideration the opinions of three parties – MIM, CPM and YSRCP – on the bifurcation issue. The three parties had been strongly opposed to any division. Then, how could AICC General Secretary Digvijay Singh claim consensus over Telangana formation, she observed.