‘Like-minded CPI (M) and YSRCP oppose State division’

CPI (M) general secretary Prakash Karat on Saturday said their party and YSR Congress party led by Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy were like-minded in opposing the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh.

Speaking to the media persons in New Delhi after the delegation of YSR CP, led by Jagan met him, seeking the solidarity from CPI (M), Karat endorsed the ‘consistent’ struggle of Jagan for united State.
"YSR Congress has been constantly fighting against the division of the State. Sharing our mutual concerns against the division, both of us will oppose any move in the State assembly, or in the parliament, in favouring of separating Andhra Pradesh,” he said.
It may be recalled that the delegation of YSRCP led by its chief YS Jagan was in New Delhi on a mission of seeking support from the national leaders of various parties. After meeting CPI leaders, the delegation met CPI (M) leaders also.
Speaking on this occasion while briefing the details of his meeting with the leaders, Jagan said that the leaders of the both parties took the notice of YSR CP’s concerns.
“Despite the differences of opinion on the State division, the leaders of the both parties agreed that the UPA government is setting a new precedence, which is detrimental to the constitutional spirit,” he said.
According to him, their delegation appealed the national parties to look into the possibility of amending Article 3 to keep the federal character of the country intact.
“Any government, who enjoys absolute power in the Centre, may go on splitting the States on its whims and fancies based on the electoral gains. Today, it happens to be Andhra Pradesh, tomorrow, it can be Bihar, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu... Anybody with a 272 majority in Lok Sabha can draw a line and split states. In a democratic setup, one could not be given powers to alter the boundaries of the States arbitrarily. Hence, we are fighting towards amendment to Article (3), while making the Assembly resolution mandatory," Jagan said.

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