As Congress lawmakers from Telangana stepped up pressure by tendering their resignation, the Centre today said it has not taken a final decision on the “extremely sensitive and complex” issue of separate statehood.
The Home Minister, Mr P. Chidambaram, appealed to the MLAs, a Rajya Sabha MP and Andhra Pradesh Ministers from the Telangana 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 number of people. We are yet to take a final decision,” he told a press conference here.
His remarks came as 37 MLAs, 16 MLCs and four ministers submitted their resignation to Assembly Deputy Speaker in a bid to pressurise the Centre to take an early decision on the Telangana issue.
“This is an extremely sensitive and complex issue. One should have understanding and patience. Especially, the media should have understanding and patience,” Mr Chidambaram said.
Mr Chidambaram insisted that 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 that the Centre would initiate the process for the formation of a separate Telangana state.
But, the Centre again made a statement on December 23 in which it was emphasised that more consultations were needed on the issue.