Srikrishna hears CPI-M’s arguments against statehood to Telangana

HYDERABAD - The Srikrishna committee, which is looking into

the demands for and against separate statehood to Telangana, Friday concluded its two-day visit to Hyderabad with the hearing of the views of the Communist Party of India (Marxist).

Presenting its arguments before the panel, CPI-M opposed the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh and called for steps to develop the backward regions of Telangana and Rayalaseema.

The committee had Thursday heard Praja Rajyam Party (PRP), which too opposed statehood to Telangana, and the Communist Party of India (CPI), which stressed the immediate need to carve out separate state.

The Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) last week conveyed its strong pro-Telangana sentiments to the committee in New Delhi.

Justice Srikrishna, who is heading the five-member panel constituted by the central government in February this year, said the committee would consul other parties next month.

The ruling Congress party, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) are expected to present their views when the committee again visits Hyderabad May 6 and 7.

Srikrishna told reporters Friday that the committee would also visit all the regions of the state to elicit people’s opinions. He pointed out that two members of the committee earlier this week visited Mahabubnagar and Kurnool districts.

The former Supreme Court judge said he himself would visit some villages to know people’s views.

“We will continue the process of consultations in May and June and if necessary in July,” he said. He was confident the committee would complete its work and submit its report before the deadline.

The centre has asked the committee to submit its report by Dec 31.