NEW DELHI, July 4 (IANS): A final decision on the "extremely sensitive and complex" issue of a separate Telangana state was yet to be taken, Home Minister P. Chidambaram said Monday as crisis brewed in the Congress government in Andhra Pradesh following the resignations of 36 party legislators.
"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 a large number of people. We are yet to take a final decision," Chidambaram told reporters here.
As 11 Congress MPs from the region also decided to resign, Chidambaram appealed to them to allow the consultation process on their demand to continue.
"This is an extremely sensitive and complex issue. We will try to expedite... One should have understanding and patience. Especially, the media should have understanding and patience," Chidambaram said.
The home minister said the government was aware of the deadline set by the pro-Telangana legislators. "The resignations have not surprised us," he said.
"The MPs and MLAs had forewarned us on the issue that they would be obliged to offer their resignation July 4. It is not that alarming. The Congress general secretary in-charge is talking to the MPs. He is in touch with the MLAs," said the home minister.
Of the Congress's 36 legislators who have resigned, 11 are ministers. Thirty-three from the main opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) have also quit over the issue of separate statehood to Telangana.
Chidambaram said the government would convene an all-party meeting immediately after the views of all parties are known. Two of the parties have not yet finalised their views on the separate statehood issue, he said.
