Ponnala ready for debate on Telangana formation

Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee president Ponnala Lakshmaiah on Friday stated that he was ready for an open debate on the Telangana formation and its development.

Speaking to media persons at his residence here, Ponnala said that it was the Congress party that bifurcated Andhra Pradesh to carve out Telangana. He said that major credit for the Telangana formation goes to Congress party and its president Sonia Gandhi. He said he was ready for an open debate on the issue with any political party or leader.

In an indirect reference to Telangana Rashtra Samithi, Ponnala said that the Congress does not believe in mind games or gimmicks. Stating that the Congress was the oldest, strongest and most secular party in the country, he said his party does not required to approach other political groups for alliance. He said that the Congress party has a history of producing several top leaders who served the country.