Chidambaram assures early response to formation of Telangana state

New Delhi, Apr 30 (ANI): Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram on Monday said that the Central Government will respond as soon as possible on the demand for a separate Telangana state.

Replying to a question about Leader of the Opposition Sushma Swaraj asking the government to list the steps taken by it on the issue in the House, Chidambaram said: "I am aware of the issue raised by the Leader of the Opposition. So, We will respond as soon as possible."

He further said the ruling party had to take the unfortunate step of suspended its MPs from Telangana for four days.

"Our appeal was to let the House function. Whatever discussions have to be held, can be held outside the house. There are always welcome to meet leaders who are dealing with the Telangana issue like Ghulam Nabi Azad and now Vayalar Ravi...they are available for discussions," he said.

Chidambaram said their appeal to them is that the government understands their concerns, but while the matter is discussed, the House should be allowed to run.

The Lok Sabha had earlier suspended eight Congress MPs for four days over repeatedly disrupting the House proceedings over the Telangana statehood issue.

The demand for a separate state of Telangana, which was merged with Andhra Pradesh in 1956, is over fifty years old.

The central government has postponed the decision to carve a new state, causing immense unrest in the region and has taken hundreds of innocent lives. (ANI)