The Union government will convene a meeting of the eight political parties of Andhra Pradesh to discuss the Telangana issue once it receives their views, Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram said on Saturday.
Making a fervent appeal to youngsters to refrain from taking their own lives for the cause, Mr. Chidambaram said: “I do not think it advances any cause. Besides, I don't know the fact of each case. Assuming that each case is related to Telangana, it is deeply regrettable, that young people should be persuaded to take their own lives. Taking one's life does not advance any case. In fact, one should live and fight for the cause.”
At his monthly press conference, he said the Congress, the Telugu Desam Party, the All-India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen and the YSR Congress were yet to make up their mind on their stand on Telangana. “There is a demand for a decision. From my side and from the government of India side, we are requesting the four parties, which have not yet expressed their opinions, to quickly make up their mind and tell us their views. I hope they will [do so] soon.” Mr. Chidambaram said the Centre was ready to call a meeting of the eight parties, once it got the signal from the four parties that they were sending in their views.
Asked why he did not remind the four parties of the need to give their views, he said he was in touch with them. “I may not have issued a reminder in writing, but I am in touch with the four parties.”
