Pro-Telangana leaders seek Sushma Swaraj's help for early statehood

HYDERABAD: The Telangana Joint Action Committee (JAC) leaders today urged Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj to help in early formation of separate Telangana.

"BJP has played its role in separate Telangana being realised. We requested her (Sushma Swaraj) that BJP show some initiative in implementation (of Congress' announcement) as well. She responded positively. She agreed that Telangana state should be formed as early as possible. She said she would help in this regard," JAC chairman M Kodandaram told reporters here.

BJP, which has been in the forefront of the separate Telangana struggle, is a constituent of the JAC. TRS and people's organisations like pro-Telangana unions of Andhra Pradesh government employees are other members of the JAC.

Addressing a pro-Telangana public meeting organised by BJP at Mahabubnagar near here yesterday, Sushma set December as the deadline for Congress to get the Bill to carve out the separate state passed in Parliament or face the consequences.

"Development could be immediately kick-started in Telangana if the Bill for creation of the new state is passed in winter session.... Congress would be "exposed" if it is not done," Swaraj said.