Cong treading cautiously on Telangana issue: Rosaiah

“But there should be a conducive atmosphere before any decision could be taken on the Telangana issue. Primarily there should be good law and order in the state,” the Chief Minister said.

Asked if a positive decision on Telangana was expected to be taken by the Congress high command by this evening,Rosaiah remarked: “That’s our wish and aspiration too”.

When pointed out to the divergent demands being raised within the Congress on creation of separate states like Telangana,Greater Rayalaseema,Andhra,north-coastal Andhra and Union Territory status for Hyderabad,Rosaiah shot back: “Don’t the Congressmen have the freedom to express their views?” He said Telangana Rashtra Samiti president K Chandrasekhar Rao succeeded in attracting attention through his ongoing fast. “Not only Congress but also other parties at the national level have taken note of the issue. But we all want Rao to call off his fast immediately”.

Referring to allegations that unsocial elements have joined the ongoing Telangana movement and sparked violence,the Chief Minister noted: “There are undoubtedly certain elements who are bent upon disturbing peace and tranquillity. But we will deal with them with a firm hand to maintain law and order”.