No President's Rule: P Chidambaram

Even as Telangana Congress leaders desperately attempt to tell their High Command how beneficial it is to concede to the demand for a separate Telangana state, the Centre does not seem to be in any mood to give in.

And despite the 100 resignations (which are yet to be accepted, though) from the AP Assembly casting doubts over the ruling government's majority, President's rule in the state is not in the Centre's agenda.

The count of MLAs who have resigned to show their support for a separate Telangana are: Congress - 44, TDP - 37, PRP - 2, CPI - 4, BJP - 2.

However, Union Minister P Chidambaram today ruled out the possibility of President's rule in AP.

He said the Centre is "not thinking of President's rule", though it was "unhappy that so many MLAs tendered their resignations".

Chidambaram said that the Telangana issue has a solution, and that leaders from all regions of the state will be consulted to arrive at the solution.

He added that the Centre is trying to engage the MLAs and MPs who have resigned, in a process of consultation for the resolution of the issue.

Chidambaram also said that the Centre expected a few law and order problems in Hyderabad owing to the recent agitations here, and that that was why armed police forces were sent to the city. He said he hoped there won't be a break down of law and order because of the protests.

Congress spokesperson Manish Tiwari, too said that the Telangana conundrum is an emotive and sensitive matter, and that it needs patience to be resolved.

"The Sri Krishna Committee didn't just appear out of thin air; it was formed by the UPA government to address this issue," Tiwari said.

"There is a need for circumspection, but also a need to see things in a wider perspective," he added.

The "rebelling" forces within the Congress' Telangana camp, who didn't take part in the resignation campaign, have stuck to their stands. Jaipal Reddy, who is said to be instrumental in engaging his Telangana colleagues, hasn't quit, obviously.

And AP's Labour Minister Danam Nagender has retorted to demands for his resignation, "Who are Kodandaram or KCR to ask me to resign? We will act according to what my party High Command, Sonia, tells us to do."