Congress has betrayed people on Telangana promise: BJP

Strongly supporting the creation of a Telangana state, BJP on Friday took on the Congress for "betraying" the people of the region by going back on its promise despite "countless suicides and successful strikes" by pro-Telangana activists.

"We want both Telangana and Rayalsima regions to co-exist peacefully and prosper. We are providing an open blank cheque. Let the government bring the resolution, we will pass it," BJP member Prakash Javadekar said, moving a private members' resolution for creation of Telangana.

Citing the assurance given by Congress in its common minimum programme about creation of the state, Javadekar said even Home Minister P Chidambaram in December 2009 had said the process of formation of the state "has begun" but two-and-a-half-years have passed since then.

"Till now the Congress has not been able to make its stand clear...nor will they ever do so," he said.

In this regard, he criticised the party for seeking views of other political parties when they themselves are silent on the issue.

The BJP leader also ridiculed moves to set up one committee after another when UPA's intention on the issue remained unclear.

"Over 700 students have committed suicide in the region and there has been a 42-day strike participated by one and all, but even then the UPA has failed to take a stand," he said.