Following an inconclusive meeting of the Congress Core Committee, Telangana supporters have decided to intensify the agitation from October 9. The Telangana Joint Action Committee (TJAC) has decided to have a ?Mahadharna? on October 11, which is a massive rally of all employees and Telangana supporters in Hyderabad.
The meeting of the core committee, which was held in New Delhi today, included finance minister Pranab Mukherjee, Congress? Andhra Pradesh in-charge Ghulam Nabi Azad, defence minister AK Antony and Union minister Jaipal Reddy. It assumes significance as the general strike in Telangana region entered the 26th day, paralysing normal life in the region. The agitation has affected life with increasing violence in all 10 districts of the Telangana region, including state capital Hyderabad.
Along with the Mahadharna, the agitators have decided to use the October 9 campaign to show solidarity with the striking employees of Singareni Collieries, who are the pillars of the ongoing agitation. Due to their strike, coal supplies have been completely stopped, thereby hitting the five power houses in the state. The supporters are in no mood for any reconciliation even while there are talks about possible imposition of President?s rule in the state.
However, Andhra Pradesh chief minister Kiran Reddy, who met top Congress leaders in Delhi on Saturday, said a solution would be found soon to the Telangana crisis. ?The central leaders are in discussion. They will try to solve the problem as soon as possible. Soon they will come up with a solution, which is amicable and will fulfill the aspirations of people,? he said. He also dismissed reports about the state heading towards President?s rule. Azad also denied to the media that the Centre was considering the option of imposing President?s rule. ?This is a process of wider consultations and consultations will continue. Where does the question of President?s rule arise?? Azad said.
Meanwhile, the Congress MPs of the Telangana region have also decided to step up their agitation. ?If the police suppression and oppression continues, we are going to take very tough action on this front. Since our resignations are yet to be accepted, we will be demanding the acceptance of our resignations first and then participate more aggressively in the Sakala Janula Samme (strike by all sections of people),? Congress MP G Vivek said.
?If there is no positive response from the Centre, we plan to launch fast-unto-death for achieving our goal in consultation with leaders of other parties and people?s organisations,? K Chandrasekhara Rao, Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief said.
The strike by all sections of people would be further intensified through massive rallies, including jail bharo and fast unto death, JAC convenor M Kodandaram said in an interaction.
Further, condemning the police atrocities, the TJAC has warned and approached the President to stop `forced suppression activities? by the state government, which may further affect the situation in the city. The TJAC supporters have called for three-day rail roko from October 12 to 14. The state public transport is already shut down.