Even as the issue of Telangana disrupted proceedings in the just-concluded Parliament session, Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram on Saturday said the government was ready to convene a meeting of the eight political parties of Andhra Pradesh to discuss the issue when views of all of them were received.
While making a fervent appeal to youngsters to refrain from taking their own lives for the cause, the Home Minister 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.’’
Responding to questions from journalists at his monthly press conference, Mr. Chidambaram said that four political parties in Andhra Pradesh -- Congress, TDP, MIM and YSR Congress – were yet to make up their mind about 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 political parties which have not yet expressed their opinions, to quickly make up their mind and tell us their views. I hope they will soon," he told reporters.
Mr. Chidambaram said the Central government was ready to call a meeting of eight political parties, once the four political parties indicated that they were sending their views to the government.
Asked why he has not reminded the four political parties to give their views, he said that he was in touch with them. "I may not have issued a reminder in writing but I am in touch with the four parties," he said.
