Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K. Rosaiah on Saturday asserted that though the Centre had announced its decision on initiating the process for the formation of a separate Telangana, nothing had been finalised in this direction.
Formation of a separate State was not a day’s affair as it had to go through several processes, including eliciting the views of all stakeholders. “Moreover, I have not received any communication in writing from the Central government on the introduction of a resolution in the Assembly,” the Chief Minister said.
Speaking to The Hindu , Mr. Rosaiah said he had explained, during his discussions with Central leaders, apprehensions on pushing through a resolution and “it is based on my own assessment of the legislators.”
The Congress high command too did not anticipate that the atmosphere would turn so tense following the announcement made by Union Home Minster P. Chidambaram on Telangana.
The leadership, Mr. Rosaiah said, thought of ending the fast launched by Telangana Rashtra Samiti president K. Chandrasekhar Rao through a resolution in the Assembly. The Congress Core Committee, which met ahead of the announcement by Mr. Chidambaram, was probably more concerned about the “chalo Assembly” call given by students under the auspices of the Joint Action Committee of Telangana Students, and thought that the situation should somehow be controlled with a view to protecting lives and property.
Moreover, Mr. Chidambaram, in his capacity as Home Minister, had the responsibility of protecting the peace in the State and therefore made the announcement to assuage the feelings of the Telangana people. Mr. Chidambaram was “not a man who thinks about creating problems,” but was rather known for working out solutions, Mr. Rosaiah said.
Reducing tensions
Asked about the steps being initiated by his government to pacify the agitated people of other regions, he said the calling off of the fast by Mr. Rao restored normality in the Telangana region to a large extent.
The government was now concentrating on the steps to be taken to reduce tensions in coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema.
“I am not prepared to take any hasty decisions in the existing circumstances. Efforts are under way to see that calm prevails in the two regions,” he said.
