Thaindian News

Hyderabad, Aug 24 (IANS) A minister from Andhra Pradesh’s Telangana region Wednesday threatened to go on a fast-unto-death from Oct 1 to achieve a separate Telangana state.

Infrastructure and Investments Minister Komatireddy Venkata Reddy told reporters that if the central government failed to make an announcement to carve out separate Telangana state, he would launch the fast along with one lakh people in his native Nalgonda district.

Venkata Reddy, the only minister from Telangana who boycotted the state cabinet meeting last week, said he would stay away from his duties till the central government agreed to the demand for a separate state.

The minister also said he would resign both as minister and from the Congress if the demand was turned down.

Venkata Reddy said he would wait till Sep 30 for a clear statement from the centre. If no favourable statement was forthcoming by then, he would join the people to intensify the Telangana movement.

He criticised his ministerial colleagues for resuming their duties. “What is it that they have achieved to resume their duties?” he wondered.

Over 100 legislators, including all ministers from the region, resigned last month to put pressure on the central government to carve out a Telangana state. Assembly speaker N. Manohar rejected all the resignations, saying they were submitted in an emotionally surcharged atmosphere.

The ministers, who had been staying away from duty since early July, resumed work last week and also attended the cabinet meeting.

Venkata Reddy denied reports that he along with some legislators planned to join the YSR Congress floated by Y.S.Jaganmohan Reddy.