Decision on Telangana after consensus: Union Minister Jitendra Singh

HYDERABAD: Union Minister Jitendra Singh expressed hope that a decision on Telangana statehood would be taken very shortly after a consensus is reached as the Centre is presently holding deliberations with all political parties on the issue.

"The government is discussing on the (Telangana) issue with all political parties and I am hopeful a decision will be taken very soon," the Minister of State for Home told reporters after reviewing the passing out parade of the 36th batch of sub-inspectors/ executives at the National Industrial Security Academy (NISA) here.

"Such matters are resolved only if there is a broad consensus from different quarters. A decision can be arrived at only if everybody, including all political parties and people of all regions and communities, agrees on it," he said adding, "I am sure very soon, a decision will be taken by the Government of India, which will suit the people of all the regions and at the foremost, it should also favour the country.

"Our (government's) efforts are on and Home Minister P Chidambaram is working on it to resolve the matter."

To a query on the scenario after the killing of Maoist leader Kishenji, the minister said there has been a slight rise in Maoist attacks in Left-wing extremism (LWE) affected areas. However, the central forces are fully equipped to deal with the Maoists, he said.

Referring to demands that the CBI be brought under the Lokpal scanner, Singh said, "It was up to the Cabinet to decide."

Reacting to another query over the "threat" of Anna Hazare to go on an indefinite fast from December 27, Singh said, "Maybe... Anna has different thinking...but the Congress and the UPA government are committed to bring a strong Lokpal Bill that will benefit the common man."