Telangana Decision Soon: Minister

Union Minister of State for Home Jitendra Singh on Sunday stated that the Centre is holding deliberations on the Telangana issue with all political parties, and that a decision on the matter would be taken shortly, after a consensus is reached.

Talking to media persons after reviewing the passing out parade of the 36th batch of Sub-Inspectors/Executives, of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) at the National Industrial Security Academy, Jitendra Singh said, "The government is discussing the (Telangana) issue with all political parties, and I am hopeful that a decision will be taken very soon."

"Such matters are resolved only if there is a broad consensus from different quarters. A decision can be arrived at only if everybody, including all political parties and the people of all regions and communities, agree on it," he said.

He said that Home Minister P Chidambaram is making all efforts to resolve the matter.

Reacting to a query on the scenario after the killing of Naxal leader Kishenji in West Bengal, the minister said that there has been a "slight" rise in Maoist attacks in left-wing extremist (LWE) affected areas.

However, he said, the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) deployed in such areas are fully equipped to deal with the Maoists.

Referring to the demand that the Central Bureau Of Investigation be brought under the Lokpal scanner, Singh said, "It was upto the Cabinet to decide."

Reacting to another query over the "threat" of anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare going on an "indefinite fast" from December 27, Singh said "May be... Anna has different thinking (sic)."

"But the Congress and the UPA government are committed to bring a strong Lokpal Bill that will benefit the common man," he asserted. (INN)