PR consults leaders on T stand

Hyderabad, Dec. 16: The Praja Rajyam chief, Mr Chiranjeevi, who had earlier announced a pro-Telangana policy, is learnt to have backtracked in favour of a united Andhra Pradesh due to the immense pressure from leaders in Seema and Andhra region.

Mr Chiranjeevi on Wednesday had a day-long meeting with party leaders. Though he has not announced the policy-change yet, he may do it in a day or two.

During the meeting, party MLAs, most of them from Seema and Andhra region, appealed to Mr Chiranjeevi to reverse the policy.

They said Telangana will happen since the Union government is reluctant to change its announced policy.

The Praja Rajyam which has 24 per cent of votes and 16 MLAs in Seema and Andhra regions would be left alone in such an eventuality.

They also pointed out the Telugu Desam chief, Mr Chandrababu Naidu, Vijayawada Congress MP, Mr Lagadapati Rajagopal, and the Kadapa MP, Mr Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, know the repercussions if Telangana happens and have started to support for united Andhra to consolidate their strength in the region.

They said it would be in the interests of the party that Mr Chiranjeevi, who still commands mass appeal, too jump into the fray.

They told him the Praja Rajyam is set to gain in terms of votes in Seema and Andhra regions — predominant with Kapu, and Balija castes who have been inclined towards Praja Rajyam party since its inception — if it supported a united Andhra Pradesh.

However, when news channels on Wednesday reported that Mr Chiranjeevi decided in favour of united Andhra, PR activists from Telangana region and the two MLAs, Mr Anil and Mr Maheswara Reddy said it would be suicidal for the party.

Mr Anil, the Balconda MLA, also threatened to resign if the party chief changed his decision.