Divide AP Into 3: T G Venkatesh

Demanding a special package for Rayalaseema on the grounds that the region was backward as testified by the Srikrishna Committee Report, Minister For Minor Irrigation and head of the Rayalaseema Samaikhya Vedika T G Venkatesh on Thursday demanded that a separate capital for Rayalaseema be carved out.

"If the Centre announces a package for the development of the Telangana region, a similar package should also be extended to the Rayalaseema region," the Minister said.

T G Venkatesh also demanded that a 3rd capital be named for the Andhra region so that people of all the 3 regions may flourish.

"This way, the development of all the regions will be ensured," he said.

However, the Minister said that he was opposed to a bifurcation of the state with Hyderabad as the capital of Telangana.

"The people of Rayalaseema are not prepared to lie low under a Telangana leadership," he stressed, while briefing media persons at the Secretariat.

He expressed his preference for an integrated state with 3 capitals rather than a bifurcation. However, he was of the opinion that rights of the people of 3 regions be protected without any prejudices.

"This is what the Seemandhra leaders are going to tell the High Command when they visit New Delhi shortly," the Minister stated. (INN)