United Andhra leaders call for bandh today as Cabinet clears Telangana formation

Tensions rose and tempers flared in the 13 Coastal and Rayalaseema districts in Andhra Pradesh after the Union Cabinet gave its nod for the formation of Telangana state, prompting deployment of police and paramilitary forces in sensitive and trouble-prone areas. People in several parts of the Coastal and Rayalseema regions took to the streets. A total shutdown is expected in both regions Friday. There were celebrations in the pro-Telangana camp following the Union Cabinet’s decision. “After 65 days of suspense, the decision to create Telangana has moved forward. It is cause for celebration, and we hope things move smoothly from here,” said Telangana Rashtra Samiti leader K T Rama Rao. Congress leaders, MLAs and MPs from Seemandhra — the regions excluding Telangana — expressed their disappointment with the Centre for giving the Union ministers from the state attending the Cabinet meeting a note on Telangana just minutes before the meeting started. This, they said, did not give the Seemandhra ministers time to read the note and prepare for the meeting. The note on Telangana was reportedly introduced as a table item and the ministers said they had little time to go through its contents. Congress MP Lagadapati Rajagopal confirmed that the note on Telangana was introduced as a table item and ministers had very little time to go through the contents. Tensions mounted in Seemandhra as formation of Telangana state was announced after the Cabinet meet. DGP in-charge B Prasada Rao held a video-conference with SPs and Range IGs to review law and order situation and suggested that security be beefed up in sensitive areas. The AP Joint Action Committee has called for a shutdown in Coastal and Rayalaseema regions to be supported by government employees and people in general which could ensure total bandh and chaos Friday.   Indian Express