Kiran losing sleep over Telangana, likely to quit

Chief Minister Kiran Kumar Reddy is a worried man these days as he can't show his face to people in the Seemandhra region if the state is divided.

Kiran can't remain in politics if the state is divided—this problem is what's haunting him. Sources in the Congress party said that Kiran Kumar Reddy reportedly told the Seemandhra ministers that Centre is inching towards division of state. From the time the CM returned from Delhi, several ministers and MPs from non-Telangana regions met the CM at his camp office. It is being said that Kiran expressed dissatisfaction over the developments in Delhi. Even the security personnel at the camp office feel that the chief minister has lost his charm.

He reportedly told the ministers that he made it clear to the Congress High Command that he could not see the state being divided and thus would quit his post if required. Sources also said that the CM asserted he will not commit the sin of bifurcating the state.
Even his colleagues feel that Kiran will resign if the state is not united. Irrigation minister TG Venkatesh expressed hope that CM would resign if the state was divided.

Political observers, however, feel that the Congress High Command will not accept CM's resignation. On the other hand, speculation was rife that Centre would announce its final decision on the Telangana today itself when Union minister Ghulam Nabi Azad called for a press conference of Telugu journalists.

Journalists immediately left to Azad's house expecting a key statement to be made on the contentious issue. But the meeting was called off.

It is understood that the High Command is not going to announce any decision before July 31 as the UPA coordination committee will be meeting on July 31. The committee will deliberate on the Telangana issue and a decision will be announced after the meeting.

- Siva@sakshipost