We will solve Telangana statehood issue soon: Andhra Pradesh CM Kiran Reddy

NEW DELHI: Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy today said the Centre would soon resolve the Telangana statehood issue in an "amicable" manner that would "satisfy the aspirations of the people" of the state as the strike in support of the demand entered the 27th day.

Grappling with the pro-Telangana agitation, Reddy rushed to the capital along with his deputy Damodar Rajanarasimha and held consultations with senior ministers Pranab Mukherjee, A K Antony, P Chidambaram and Ghulam Nabi Azad.

Reddy briefed the leaders about the situation in the state in the wake of the agitation and gave his opinion on the separate statehood demand.

"I have given my opinion. I said the aspirations of the people of Andhra Pradesh should be satisfied. Soon there would be an amicable solution that would be beneficial to the people of the state," he told reporters here.

He dismissed suggestions that the Congress-ruled state was heading for President's rule.

To a question, Reddy said the central leaders would take a decision on the issue soon.

"The issue of Telangana is there for a long time. Now, it is (highlighted) because of the persistent agitation. The centre is talking to leaders. I think they will try to solve it as soon as possible," he said.

To a volley of questions, he said the decision would be taken only by the Centre and that he is not in a "position to give a decision".

Asked whether President's rule would be imposed in the state, he said "why should President's rule be imposed? When should President's rule be imposed? What are the parameters?," he said.