Hyderabad: Tribal welfare minister, Pasupulati Balaraju’s declaration, “I am committed to the Congress. I support bifurcation,”?has made him a hero among Telangana legislators and those backing the decision.
Balaraju was elected twice from Paderu (ST) Assembly constituency in the tribal belt of Visakhapatnam district.
Some members, who are close to Balaraju, say the minister’s brave stand also reflects regrouping of weaker sections in the party and the challenge to the upper castes.
Interestingly, the support of dalit minister, who holds the portfolio of rural development, to Balaraju, has given rise to this speculation.
“Bifurcation is inevitable. I stand by the party decision on Telangana. The Congress has always stood by the weaker sections and worked for their uplift. It is my duty as a party soldier to stand by it, come what may. I don’t fear backlash,”?Balaraju told this correspondent in the Assembly lobby.
Even as he spoke to this correspondent, minister for the welfare of backward classes Basavaraju Saraiah, government whip Anil Kumar, TRS legislators and others congratulated Balaraju.
Some MLAs hugged him. “Why should Chandrababu Naidu still act coy on this issue? Why should he ask MLAs from the two regions to speak for and against Telangana? Why this double game? Whether it’s TD or our party, we have to face reality.
When someone pointed this out, his effigies were burnt in some places in Seemandhra for his support to the bifurcation,”?Saraiah said.
Telangana supporters took out a rally in his support in Warangal district.
Balaraju further said that some party MLAs changed their stance on Telangana, fearing defeat. They jumped to other parties for survival. Within the party too, some want to have their hegemony.
“What I am today is due to the Congress. How can I ditch the party for narrow political ends? Everyone knows that a division of the state is imminent. Why shy away from reality,”?Balaraju asked.
