AP Bifurcation Was Not Easy Decision: Sonia Gandhi

AICC President Sonia Gandhi on Saturday said that the decision to divide Andhra Pradesh was not an easy one.

"The formation of two states has become a reality. This was not an easy decision, but now we must look forward. I'm aware that this decision has caused some of you great pain and I fully empathise with you. I do not grudge your criticism or anger, and I understand your sentiment. But as you are aware, there is a long history to the creation of Telangana, and that uncertainty had to be brought to an end," said Sonia Gandhi while addressing a public meeting at the Andhra Muslim College Grounds at Guntur.

Gandhi said that all the political parties except for the CPI (M) supported the creation of Telangana.

Former Chief Minister Dr Y S Rajasekhara Reddy too had made his stand in support of Telangana clear in the Assembly in February 2009, she said.

She said that the reorganisation had been done in a manner that protected the interests of the Seemandhra people.

For the first time, a special development package had been announced in the Reorganization Act itself, she said.

While the farmers' interests were fully protected, a mechanism was being devised for the proper sharing of the Godavari and Krishna waters.

She said that the Centre will provide 90% funding for the development of the Polavaram project, which will benefit 10 lakh farmers.

"My party is committed to protecting the physical, social, cultural and financial interests of every single person from Seemandhra residing in Hyderabad," Sonia Gandhi said.

The Congress leaders were upset over the poor turnout at the public meeting. (INN)