HYDERABAD: The Communist Party of India (CPI) has suggested that the Government constitute an expert committee to study the backwardness of Telangana region and also the demand for a separate State.

A CPI delegation led by party secretary Mr. K. Narayana met Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy and submitted a memorandum seeking Rs. 10,000 crores special package for the region without linking it to the funds earmarked for ongoing irrigation projects. It also sought revival of the regional development boards (RDBs) and strict implementation of G.O. 610.

Mr. Narayana and C. Venkata Reddy MLA, stated at a press conference here on Friday that there was indeed a `Telangana sentiment' and it would be better if an expert committee looked into the diverse aspects of the region.

"We have to find a permanent solution to the issue which has been raised time and again by leaders", Mr. Narayana said. "The expert committee has to undertake in-depth study of the problems confronting the region and come out with its finding", he added.

Pothireddypadu regulator

On Pothireddypadu head regulator controversy, Mr. Narayana said the Government should stick to the decision taken at an all-party meeting to utilise only 44,000 cusecs of Krishna floodwaters for Rayalaseema districts. Political parties were creating unnecessary controversy about diversion of floodwaters and said it would only benefit drought-prone areas of Rayalaseema. He blamed officials for creating the controversy. Commenting on the TDP's decision to re-orient its economic policy, Mr. Narayana said it was good that they had realised the futility of the previous stand . But, the question is whether people would believe them.

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