This Article is From Sep 23, 2012

Telangana row: Congress leaders in Andhra Pradesh oppose bifurcation

Hyderabad: Congress leaders from Andhra and Rayalaseema regions have made it clear that they will not accept bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh.

Ministers and state legislators from the two regions held a meeting in Hyderabad on Saturday amid indications from the centre that the government would soon take a decision on the demand for separate statehood to Telangana.

Minister for Medical Education S Sailajanath told reporters that it was decided to oppose tooth and nail any move to bifurcate the state.

"We remain committed to united Andhra Pradesh," he said while denying differences among the leaders from the two regions.

The meeting decided to undertake a bus yatra to mobilise support for a united state.

The minister said they would chalk out an action plan after consultations with all the leaders.

There was mild tension at the Ministers' quarters when some Telangana supporters tried to barge into the meeting hall.

Police arrested activists of Telangana Mala Mahanadu, who staged the protest.

Earlier, two leaders from Rayalaseema and Andhra said they would abide by the central government's decision on Telangana issue.

A section of MPs from the two regions have also left a final decision to the Congress leadership. 
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