Talk to APNGOs, Deo urges Rahul

New Delhi: Union Panchayati Raj and Tribal Affairs Minister V Kishore Chandra Deo has shot off missives to Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi and other central leaders asking them to start a dialogue with the APNGOs, to try and understand their demands. The APNGOs are important as they are linked to the grassroots, besides they are also the stakeholders. Dialogue with the APNGOs will help facilitate an enduring and lasting solution to the present political impasse over the decision on bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh.

Pointing to the gravity of the situation, the Union Minister stated that administration had ground to a halt for over one-and-a-half months and the entire state was in turmoil (The APNGOs are on general strike). Deo has addressed similar letters to Antony Committee Chairman and Union Defence Minister A K Antony, Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde and AICC general secretary in-charge of Andhra Pradesh Digvijay Singh.

The Union Minister pointed out to Rahul Gandhi that the APNGOs assembled peacefully and did not cause any unrest or tensions. Their speeches were very temperate and were not at all inflammatory and libelous in nature. They conducted themselves with dignity and decorum. They were an integral part of the state government and it would be worthwhile to note that the recent rally they staged in Hyderabad was reflective of the collective concerns of the people of Seemandhra region.

He wanted that the Centre should take note of the genuine concerns and open a dialogue with them. They constitute an important segment of the society and have wide and influential role. Any dialogue will only be worthwhile and contribute to finding a lasting solution.

Meanwhile, AICC spokesman Meem Afzal made it clear that there was no case for imposition of President’s rule in Andhra Pradesh. There was a democratically-elected government in place and it wass in command of the situation. The situation in Andhra Pradesh did not warrant Central rule in the state, he said.