Digvijay holds discussions with leaders on AP bifurcation

Against the backdrop of continuing Opposition against division of Andhra Pradesh, AICC General Secretary Digvijay Singh today began a two-day visit to the state to hold consultations with leaders from both sides.

Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy, a vocal opponent of the state's division, held a meeting with Singh, in-charge of party affairs in Andhra Pradesh. Several other leaders, including ministers from Telangana region also called on Singh. Talking to reporters, the Telangana leaders felt that Singh must be trying to convince the Seemandhra leaders to accept the early passage of Telangana Bill in the Legislative Assembly.

Significantly, Singh's visit came on a day the winter session of AP Legislature began and the Bill for formation of Telangana was remitted back to the Union government by President Pranab Mukherjee. The Andhra Pradesh Assembly has been given six weeks' time to take a call on the state reorganisation bill that seeks to create a separate Telangana state.

According to official sources, President Pranab Mukherjee suggested the time limit last night when he remitted the bill back to the Union government to be on passed to the AP legislature. Meanwhile, a group of supporters of united Andhra Pradesh, who were opposed to Singh's visit, held a flash protest at the government guest house where the AICC leader was staying. The slogan shouting protesters were, however, taken away from the place by the police. The pro-united Andhra employees and others have called for protest against Singh's visit.