Reasonable relief can convince Seemandhra people: Minister

NEW DELHI: In what could be viewed as a clear indication of a section of Congress leaders from Seemandhra conceding to the bifurcation process, a Union minister from Andhra Pradesh today said that the agitating people could be convinced if reasonable relief is given.

"Yes, if a reasonable relief is given, we can convince the people for whatever process that has started," Minister of State for Finance J D Seelam told reporters here after meeting Petroleum Minister M Veerappa Moily, who is part of the GoM looking into the bifurcation process of Andhra Pradesh.

Seelam was part of a four-member delegation comprising ministers in the Union Cabinet from Andhra Pradesh.

He said that the delegation explained the serious concerns of the people from Rayalaseema and coastal Andhra on the issue. In fact, he said, the issue should be addressed to the satisfaction of the people in both the regions.

"We have flagged very serious concerns, which should be addressed. We need a fair and democratic treatment for all Telugu people," he said.

He maintained that the people cannot be convinced in the event of certain basic conditions not being fulfilled.

Seelam emphasised that Hyderabad should be a capital for all Telugu people, as other cities, either in Telangana or Seemandhra regions, have not developed into mega cities on par with the state capital (Hyderabad).

"It is a lifeline and proud capital of all Telugu people living in India and abroad. The capital city should belong to all the people," he noted, while stressing that nobody should feel that Hyderabad is no more a dream city.

He, however, declined to comment on whether the delegation had insisted to Moily that Hyderabad should remain as a common capital for both the states.

He was confident that Congress party will not give a "raw deal" to the Telugu people.