Congress MP from Telangana threatens to quit

A Congress MP from Telangana in Andhra Pradesh on Sunday warned that he would quit the party unless it gave a categorical assurance on separate statehood to the region.

Manda Jagannatham, MP from Nagarkurnool, told reporters that Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) has invited him to join the party. He said he along with other MPs from the region would meet in a day or two to take a decision.

He, however, exuded confidence that Congress would soon take a decision on a separate Telangana state, to be carved out of Andhra Pradesh.

Jagannatham along with state minister K. Jana Reddy called on party leader K. Keshava Rao in Hyderabad on Sunday.

The meeting assumed significance in the wake of speculations that some MPs may join TRS. Jana Reddy said he had no knowledge of Jagannatham's decision to quit the party.

Jagannatham also clarified that his meeting with TRS chief K. Chandrasekhara Rao Saturday was only a courtesy call.

Meanwhile, another Congress MP, G. Vivek Sunday, said he would remain within the party. He told reporters in Karimnagar that he would fight for Telangana by staying within the party.

There is intense speculation that Jagannatham along with two other MPs Vivek and S. Rajaiah may join TRS.

As many as seven Congress MPs from the region have been demanding the central leadership to take a decision on a separate Telangana state.