Concerned at the mass resignations by party lawmakers in Andhra Pradesh over the Telangana issue, Union home minister P Chidambaram appealed to Congress ministers, MPs and MLAs from the region to be patient and allow the consultation process on the statehood demand to continue.
“The central government’s view will be made known after the consultation process is over. We have to bring everyone on board. There is a strong view of large numbers of people. We are yet to take a final decision,” he told a press conference here. “This is an extremely sensitive and complex issue. One should have understanding and patience. Especially, the media should have understanding and patience.”
Chidambaram insisted the December 9, 2009, statement made by him was “not made by an individual but made on behalf of the Government of India”. The statement had said the Centre would initiate the process for the formation of a separate Telangana state. After strong reaction from those opposed, the Centre again made a statement on December 23, 2009, in which it emphasised that more consultations were needed.
“When you refer to my statement on December 9, 2009, you should also refer to the December 23, 2009, statement,” he said in reply to a specific question.
“The Congress general secretary in-charge is talking to the MPs. He is in touch with the MLAs,” he said. Chidambaram said the party would persuade the MPs and MLAs to be patient and allow the consultation process to continue.
Asked about when the much-awaited all-party meeting on the issue would be held, Chidambaram said two of the parties had yet to finalise their views and the meeting would be called immediately after the views of all parties were known.
To queries about demands for a deadline and the action by the MPs and MLAs, the Home Minister said he understands their “impatience, but this is a complex issue and we will try to expedite”.
