Bifurcation of Andhra unfair, says Naveen after meeting Jagan

OST Political Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Nov24:

YSR Congress chief Jagan Mohan Reddy today met with chief minister and BJD president Naveen Patnaik at Naveen Niwas today, and discussed the issue of division of Andhra Pradesh.

After the meeting, the chief minister said, “Division of state is a political, social, economic and emotional issue. In case of Andhra Pradesh, the people of the state should have been consulted and a consensus developed before any decision is taken. It should not be done for narrow political, electoral interest. A sensible political dialogue is missing in the whole process.”

Jaganmohan Reddy told media persons he had come to seek support for his campaign in favour of a united Andhra Pradesh.

He said the Article 3 of the Indian Constitution, which prescribes for unanimous resolution or 2/3 majority in the Assembly should be invoked and made mandatory for bifurcation of any state.

“Otherwise, they would split any state by sitting in New Delhi, which would have very serious impact,” the YSR Congress chief said.

“Arbitrarily dividing any State without taking the Assembly into confidence is not going to be right for this country. If Article 3 is not amended, then what is happening in Andhra Pradesh may take place in other States as well,” he said.

The meeting between the two leaders lasted for about 15 minutes.

It is not clear if Jagan has been given any assurance by the BJD president with regard to the BJD MPs’stand when the Telengana matter is placed before the Parliament for discussion.