For once, a statement made by Vijayawada MP Lagadapati Rajagopal had Seemandhra leaders fuming with anger, a marked departure from the effect generally have on Telangana activists.
Lagadapati's words, that he would not mind accepting Telangana as a separate state if only it would be the last state to be carved out in the country, drew a sharp response from Srikanth Reddy, a Congress MLA and staunch Jagan-loyalist.
Srikanth Reddy wondered, while addressing media persons at the Assembly, as to what had given Lagadapati the right to speak on behalf of Seemandhra people.
"Who is he to speak on behalf of Seemandhra people and say that he is ready to accept the bifurcation of the state?" the MLA demanded.
He added, "Mr. Lagadapati Rajagopal cannot impose his personal decisions on the Congress party. How can he speak on behalf of Seemandhra leaders without taking their opinions?"
Srikanth Reddy further opined that Lagadapati's statement might provoke people and create a law-and-order problem in the state.
The Congress MLA reiterated that he supports an integrated Andhra Pradesh.
"I will share the feelings of the region's people with the High Command whenever necessary," he said.
Responding to the
High Court ordering a CBI probe into Jagan's wealth, Srikanth Reddy expressed confidence that Jagan would come clean from all allegations, saying, "Politicians should not drag courts into politics." (INN)