Minor Irrigation minister T G Venkatesh, on Saturday, dismissed reports that appeared in a section of media that the Rayala-Telangana proposal was made by him.
Talking to media persons, Venkatesh said that he had never proposed a Rayala Telangana, and alleged that the media has wrongly interpreted his statements.
He said that Rayalaseema leaders want the state to remain united and are opposed its division tooth and nail. He also said that leaders from the Rayalaseema region have neither proposed nor are supporting the Rayala-Telangana proposal.
Venkatesh said that some vested elements have been dropping names of Rayalaseema leaders in order to get mileage over the issue.
If the state must be divided on a regional basis, the Rayalaseema region must be paid a compensation of Rs. 1 lakh crore, he stated.
He also said that Rayalaseema leaders would agitate for a Greater Rayalaseema state, in case the bifurcation of the state becomes imminent.
The minister expressed confidence that the Centre would take a favourable decision on the statehood issue by respecting the sentiments and aspirations of people. (INN)