Small states: Buddha gets PM’s‘consensus’ assurance

In what could be good news for Bhattacharjee,the Prime Minister told him that the Central government would not proceed with formation of Telangana until and unless there was a “consensus”. Singh said the Centre was “seriously trying” to start a dialogue with all political parties in Andhra and also at the national level to build the consensus.

The CPM is opposed to creation of smaller states except on linguistic basis. “The Telangana issue has a direct bearing on our state,especially in the hill areas and other parts. It is a very difficult situation for us. Some forces are already demanding a separate state,” Bhattacharjee told reporters.

The Prime Minister’s stress on consensus has strengthened Bhattacharjee’s case. With the CPM not sympathetic to creation of Gorkhaland,there is a little chance of consensus,and the Chief Minister could use this argument in the future to prevent bifurcation of Bengal. The Chief Minister also mentioned that the Assembly had to pass a unanimous resolution for creation of a new state.

“We are opposed to bifurcation of states. Divisions of states are neither possible nor desirable,” he said. Bhattacharjee also shot down the idea of setting up a second States Reorganisation Commission. “That will open a pandora’s box. There are already demands for creating 28 more states. More will come,” he said.

‘Bengal to get new Guv before R-Day’

* The Centre is likely to appoint a new full-time Governor of West Bengal within a month. “I had some discussion with the Prime Minister. The appointment of a full-time Governor will be done before the Republic Day,”Bhattacharjee said.