Congress virtually rules out carving out more states

NEW DELHI: Amid demands for creation of several smaller states in the backdrop of decision on separate Telangana, Congress today virtually ruled out such possibilities.

"States are not formed just on the basis of agitations. There has to be a study of historical background," AICC General Secretary in charge of Andhra Pradesh Digvijay Singh said when asked about demands for separate states from various parts of the country, including that of Gorkhaland, Bundelkhand, Purvanchal and Harit Pradesh.

He dismissed suggestions that the decision on Telangana has been taken out of political expediency or compulsion and it was a long standing demand of the people who had also complained of several violations of the 'gentleman's agreement'. Besides, the region had witnessed a large number of suicides over the issue.

Singh insisted that the issue of Telangana cannot be compared to others because there has been historical background as it has reference in the recommendations of the first State Reorganisation Commission (SRC), which is still relevant.

He said that there was also a reference to Vidarbha in the first SRC report.

On the question of Article 371 (D) of Constitution which grants special status, he said the Cabinet will look into its relevance once Telangana is formed.

At the same time, he said in reply to a question that the resolution of CWC in 2001 for formation of second SRC still stands.