Telangana issue settled, says Congress amid protests

NEW DELHI/BHOPAL: Notwithstanding protests within the party in Andhra and Rayalseema regions, Congress today asserted that the Telangana issue is settled once and for all and hoped that those opposed to the decision would accept the "justified" decision.

"They will be persuaded. Some people may have reservations but the fact is also that they belong to our party. We are confident that they will be with the party on the issue finally," Congress spokesman Meem Afzal told reporters in Delhi.

AICC General Secretary in-charge of Andhra Pradesh Digvijay Singh asserted in Bhopal that the issue of Telangana has been settled once and for all.

These comments came amid rising protests within the Congress from leaders belonging to Andhra and Rayalaseema regions, with several state ministers, MPs and legislators intending to quit.

Andhra Pradesh Minister for Infrastructure and Investment Ganta Srinivasa Rao has already resigned. Some other resignations are also expected.

"We have taken a decision on which some voices are being raised. We will solve it," Afzal told reporters.

Party's Communication Department Chairman Ajay Maken also expressed similar views saying "they are all our party people. We will try and convince them".

"Singh is absolutely right," was his refrain when asked about Digvijay Singh's remarks that the issue of Telangana has been settled once and for all.

On BJP's demand to bring the bill for separate state of Telangna in this session itself, Maken said "that is for the Government to decide but processes have to be followed."