Give views, not affidavits: Diggy

New Delhi: AICC General Secretary incharge of Andhra Pradesh Digvijay Singh advised the YSRCP to participate in the discussions on the Telangana Bill in the Andhra Pradesh Assembly, instead of giving affidavits to President Pranab Mukherjee. “Why give affidavits? Discuss the issue on floor of the Assembly and give your views, instead of giving affidavits,” was his advice to YSRCP supremo Y S Jaganmohan Reddy, who declared his intent to stay away from the discussion on the issue. Interacting with mediapersons, Digvijay Singh sought to allay the apprehensions of TRS supremo K Chandrashekhar Rao on whether or not the Centre will pass the Telangana Bill.

Digvijay Singh said for the Congress, Telangana is a matter of commitment and it will stand by it. He made it clear that there is no connection between TRS merger with the Congress and the passing of the Telangana Bill. “Even if other parties step back, we will stick to the creation of Telangana,” he said. Expressing the confidence that Telangana will be created ahead of the General Election in 2014, he said KCR need not entertain any doubts on the passing of the Telangana Bill. Digvijay Singh took care to draw a distinction between creation of Telangana and political alliances.

“We never mix politics with governance,” remarked Digvijay Singh. Commenting on Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy’s remark that the last ball has not yet been bowled, Digvijay Singh merely said, “He is a cricketer. He understands the last ball.” The party sources are confident that delaying tactics will not really work. President Pranab Mukherjee has given the maximum possible timeframe of six weeks. As such, any delaying tactics of seeking further extension from the President will really work.

The question of extension arises only when there is a serious discussion in progress in the State Assembly and further time is required. In the case of Andhra Pradesh, the Seemandhra Congress leaders have stalled the proceedings by moving into the well of the House and not allowing any discussion on Telangana Bill. In such circumstances, seeking further extension will not be considered even by the President. The party is confident that there is no question of any further delay with regard to the passing of the Telangana Bill. After the expiry of the deadluine of January 23 set by the President, it would be deemed to have been considered by the State Assembly and the President will send it back to the Union Home Ministry. After bringing it to the Union Cabinet, the Telangana Bill will bring Telangana Bill in the next session of Parliament and pass it.