Telangana Congress leaders deliberate ahead of meeting with Group of Ministers

NEW DELHI: Ahead of the meeting between Group of Ministers (GoM) on Andhra Pradesh bifurcation and Union ministers from the state, Congress leaders from Telangana today discussed about key issues to be highlighted with the high-level panel.

The meeting gains significance as two state ministers from Seemandhra region have demanded Union Territory status for Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Area (HMDA) during their meeting with the GoM on Telangana early this week here.

A slew of issues, sources said, including retaining Bhadrachalam with the proposed Telanagana state, river water sharing and funds for development of backward pockets were deliberated ahead of the Monday meeting with GoM.

"How will they (Seemandhra people) be benefited by making Hyderabad a Union Territory, when they want United Andhra Pradesh?" Congress leader and Lok Sabha member from Karimnagar, Ponnam Prabhakar wondered.

Echoing similar views, Rajaiah Siricilla, MP from Warangal constituency, said that any move to alter the status of Hyderabad would be vehemently opposed. "It is illogical," he said.

Another Congress leader G. V. Ramana Reddy, who is also Andhra Pradesh Government Chief Whip, said that funds would be sought for development of backward areas in Telangana region.

Union Ministers Jaipal Reddy and Porika Balram Naik, besides three Andhra Pradesh Ministers from Telangana region, Lok Sabha members and MLAs participated in the meeting.