TRS chief to go on indefinite hunger strike over Telangana - India News and Travel Times Provides India-centric and other News and Features

The Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) president, K Chandrashekhar Rao, will begin a fast unto death on Sunday at Siddipet in Medak district of Andhra Pradesh, pressing for statehood to Telangana region. The TRS described this as a do-or-die battle to achieve the long pending demand for the creation of separate Telangana state. Rao, representing Mehboob Nagar constituency in the Lok Sabha, has warned both the Central and state governments that they would be responsible for any further consequences. "It is now or never. Be prepared for either my funeral procession or a victory rally," Rao stated in a message to people of Telangana region. He said the fast unto death decision was taken as the government failed to solve the problems of Telangana. "We now feel that all problems can be solved only in a separate state of Telangana," Rao said. Rao also alleged that people from Andhra region had grabbed both government and assigned lands allotted to weaker sections in Telangana region. His announcement was criticised by both the ruling Congress party and the main opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP). Both the parities criticised Rao of creating a wedge between people of different regions. Meanwhile, Medak MP and film star Vijayshanti also extended support to Rao's plan and is expected to participate in the fasting.