With MPs and MLAs threatening to resign over statehood for
Telangana, Congress has "We are not against formation of Telangana.
Certain formalities have to be completed. We are in the process of taking a
decision on this," Congress spokesperson PC Chacko said at the official
press briefing of the party on Wednesday evening.
The statement was measured and not an off-the-cuff remark as
Chacko repeated it and clarified at least twice. Chacko indicated that the
party could expedite a decision on the controversial issue and could indeed be
veering towards bifurcation of the state.
Chacko refused to be drawn into a discussion on the
timeline. When asked whether the decision would be taken before the budget
session, slated to begin on February 21, Chacko said he could not say. The
statement was made in response to a question on BJP president Rajnath Singh's
demand for a clarification by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
Chacko said, "I
don't think Rajnath Singh can demand this. It is not his prerogative . Our
party has spelt out its stand very clearly. We are not going back on our
promise. We have been very clear. Our home minister has stated this stand also.
We have said we just want some more time for discussion."
When asked whether
Congress was for a separate state of Telangana , Chacko said it was
"simply a question of time" . Replying to a pointed question if the
spokesperson was really saying that Congress was in favour of Telangana and it
was only a matter of time before the demand is granted , Chacko said, "Yes
this is what I am saying. You are right. The decision has to have a certain
basis. Certain constitutional obligations have to be fulfilled."
His remarks came as
Congress MPs from Telangana awaited an appointment with party chief Sonia
Gandhi for submitting their resignation to press for an early creation of a
separate state.
Three of the seven
Congress MPs, who have been threatening to give their resignations to Gandhi
and Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar, arrived in the capital on Wednesday .
Speaking to reporters, MP Madhu Goud Yaskhi said that it was an emotive issue
and the MPs had full faith in Gandhi.
Chacko's statement
brought some cheer to the pro-Telangana camp. Yaskhi said, "resignations
are not required now. The AICC spokesperson has clearly stated that party is
for Telangana. We will discuss with party high command tomorrow and seek a
speedy decision."
0 Comments