Endowment Minister Jupally Krishna Rao on Thursday stated that he was ready to sacrifice his post for the cause of a separate Telangana state.
Talking to media persons after launching his Telangana Praja Abhiyan Padayatra from Martyrs Statue at Clock Tower in Mahabubnagar district, the Minister stated that the march is aimed at uniting the various leaders and people fighting for the sake of a separate Telangana state.
"I am even ready to sacrifice my life for the cause of a separate Telangana state," the Minister asserted.
Jupally had earlier submitted his resignation from his Cabinet post, saying that he wanted to fight for the separate statehood demand without the burden of responsibilities. However, his resignation is yet to be accepted.
The Minister expressed confidence that Congress president Sonia Gandhi would not cheat Telangana people and honour the promise made by Union Home Minister P Chidambaram on December 9, 2009.
He also expressed confidence that Sonia will make a clear announcement in June over the separate statehood demand once the results of the elections held for 5 state Assemblies were announced by the Election Commission.
When asked about what would be done if the Centre fails to make any announcement on Telangana statehood demand by June, the Minister stated that he would participate in the Telangana agitation and fight for achieving a separate state.
"I will continue my padayatra till I achieve the Telangana state regardless of others' support," he said.
He added, "I will act as per the wishes and aspirations of the Telangana people."
Meanwhile, the Telangana Intellectuals Forum has extended its support to the Minister's padayatra. (INN)