Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Telangana: Congress panel treads cautiously

HYDERABAD: The APCC Election Manifesto Committee headed by Council Chairman K. Chakrapani is unlikely to take up the contentious issue of statehood for Telangana and instead wait for the party high command’s direction before including it in the policy document.

Treading a cautious path, the maiden meeting of the committee, which was attended by the Chief Minister, Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy, APCC president D. Srinivas, several Ministers and party office-bearers on Friday decided to constitute six sub-committees to come up with suggestions for inclusion in the manifesto. They will cover a wide range of issues such as agriculture, irrigation, rural development, education, employment, health, industry, infrastructure, energy and welfare besides achievements of the government.

Dr. Reddy is understood to have given a free hand to the committee to come up with programmes that would enhance the chances of the party retaining power.

Speaking to reporters later, Mr. Srinivas said the election manifesto would be ready by the end of January. He indicated that the poll manifesto for 2009 would also be on the same lines as the one in 2004. Dr. Chakrapani said he would interact with leaders of all the three regions and come up with the best manifesto.

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