Name new state as 'Sonia Telangana': Ex-Andhra minister

NEW DELHI: In a queer demand, a former Andhra Pradesh minister today suggested the Centre to name the new state carved out of Andhra Pradesh as 'Sonia Telangana'.

"I am putting forth this demand, as she has prevented more individuals from the region committing suicide for Telangana cause," P Shankar Rao, who claims to be a founder member of Congress (I), said.

"Over a thousand people have committed suicide till the announcement on creation of Telangana was made. However, there were no suicides reported in the last 70 days," he added.

Terming Sonia as 'Telangana Talli' (Mother of Telangana), Rao said he is installing a statue in Hyderabad by December which would resemble the face of the AICC chief.

He has also met the GoM looking into bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh here.