Will propose amendments to Telangana Bill in Parliament: BJP

VIJAYWADA: BJP senior leader M Venkaiah Naidu today said his party would "propose amendments" to the contentious AP Reorganisation Bill 2013 when it will be placed before Parliament to "do justice" to both Telangana and Seemandhra regions.

"BJP is committed to the cause of Telangana, but at the same time the party wants justice for both regions. BJP would propose amendments to the bill when it is introduced in Parliament," Venkaiah said without elaborating the kind of amendments BJP has planned.

The draft bill, currently pending before the Andhra Pradesh Assembly, is caught in the crossfire between proponents and opponents of separate Telangana state cutting across party lines.

"..BJP is committed towards formation of Telangana according to its policy on smaller states. However, at the same time, BJP is in favour of equal justice for both regions and feels that all should be satisfied with the process," Venkaiah said while addressing a gathering of party workers at the launch of 'Modi for PM' campaign here.

He said the Centre should have allocated a fund of Rs 2,000 crore towards development of Seemandhra region.

Venkaiah said Congress leaders from Telangana region should stop making derogatory remarks against the settlers in Hyderabad. "Every citizen has the right to reside anywhere in the country," he added.

The former BJP president accused Congress leaders of pitting people from Seemandhra and Telangana regions against each for political gains ahead of elections.

"Congress has taken a hasty decision on bifurcation (of AP) and is dividing Telugu people on regional basis," he alleged.

Referring to intense infighting in Congress over formation of Telangana, Venkaiah said, "The CWC decision on dividing Andhra Pradesh is opposed by Union ministers, MPs, the CM and the MLAs also."

On rebellious stand of state Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy against the division of Andhra Pradesh, Venkaiah wondered why Reddy was not putting in his papers.