Chiranjeevi opposes Telangana Bill in Rajya Sabha, embarrasses government

"We must pause for a moment and think. The issue is livelihood of 11 crore Telugu people. I am pained people are deprived of their basic rights. I feel heartbroken. We have to respect emotions of people...Anxiety of Seemandhra people."

Chiranjeevi accused the government and Congress party of not consulting leaders of the region before deciding on the bifurcation of the state.

Through there was pandemonium in the House when the bill was taken up, the agitating members withdrew from the Well and became silent when Chiranjeevi rose to speak.

"All of a sudden CWC announced the decision (on Telangana formation), everyone was shocked. Except for Chief Minister, no leader from the region was consulted," Chiranjeevi said, adding no discussion was held even after several committees including the A K Antony Committee and GoM were constituted.

"Last week, when the bill was introduced in Lok Sabha nobody knew. No discussion was held...," he said.

The minister said no discussion was held on Sri Krishna Report that recommended that a united Andhra Pradesh was the best option and went on to accuse the BJP, TDP, YSR Congress and other parties for rousing emotions on division of the state due to which some vulnerable youth committed suicide.

"However, Congress party alone cannot be blamed for this situation...When NDA was in power, they got back on their words...Now BJP is trying to stall the bill...Except MIM and TRS, all other parties including TDP, CPI(M) are to be blamed for this situation," he said, as TDP and BJP members opposed him and entered into a verbal clash.

Seeking amendments in the bill, Chiranjeevi demanded that Hyderabad be made a Union Territory on the lines of Chandigarh and special category status to Seemandhra to provide tax exemption and tax holiday. He said the Centre should take full responsibility of completing Polavaram project and river-linkage project.

He also demanded that Centre should provide a special package for Seemandhra region to address to the revenue loss.

"I strongly feel equal justice to Telugu people will not be done if the bill is passed without these changes," he said.