Date:30/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/30/stories/2008103060840800.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Narendra optimistic on statehood for Telangana

Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD: Medak MP A. Narendra has expressed optimism that the Congress would concede separate Telangana before elections next year and turn the tables on the Telugu Desam Party which has taken a pro-Telangana stand just to ensure the ruling party’s defeat.

Addressing a press conference here on Wednesday, Mr. Narendra expected Congress president Sonia Gandhi to make an announcement granting Statehood to the region soon. However, he would not join the Congress even if it conceded the demand.

The MP claimed victory in the rejection of the petition against him by the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) for voting in favour of the confidence vote taken by the UPA government in July.

Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee dismissed the petition as the TRS produced false evidence against him about having issued the whip to vote against the motion, he added.

Mr. Narendra said separate Telangana would have been a reality if the TRS had turned the confidence vote to its advantage.