Hyderabad: Senior Congress leader and Telangana Government Advisor Mohammed Ali Shabbir accused Jana Sena Party chief and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan of repeating the BJP’s anti-Telangana line by questioning the formation of Telangana.
Shabbir Ali said Telangana completed 12 years as a separate State through a constitutional and democratic process. Therefore, he alleged that reopening the statehood debate was politically motivated and unnecessary.
He said Pawan Kalyan was trying to create political space in Telangana after voters rejected him and his party. Moreover, he stated that the people of Telangana would not accept attempts to revive old disputes.
Shabbir Ali attacks anti-Telangana line over statehood remarks
Shabbir Ali said Telangana emerged after decades of democratic struggle and the sacrifices of many activists. He credited Congress leader Sonia Gandhi for playing a decisive role in achieving statehood.
He claimed that describing Telangana’s formation as a mistake or hurried decision insulted the aspirations of its people. Furthermore, he said Parliament created Telangana through constitutional procedures and no leader could question its legitimacy after 12 years.
Shabbir Ali alleged that Pawan Kalyan’s statements reflected the BJP’s earlier position on Telangana. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had criticised Telangana’s formation in the past and hurt public sentiments.
He further claimed that Jana Sena was echoing the BJP’s anti-Telangana line for political advantage. According to him, responsible leaders should encourage cooperation between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh rather than create regional divisions.
Referring to Pawan Kalyan’s remarks on national integration, Shabbir Ali said unity must respect constitutional decisions and people’s aspirations. He added that both Telugu States should resolve pending issues through dialogue and legal mechanisms.
He advised Pawan Kalyan to focus on his responsibilities as Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister instead of making remarks that could create political controversy in Telangana.
