Andhra CM convenes emergency meeting to discuss Telangana fallout

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy has called for an emergency meeting with ministers, MPs, MLCs and MLAs from coastal Andhra and Rayalseema here today to discuss the developments following the Union Cabinet's nod to formation of Telangana.

The meeting, which will take place at around 11.30 a.m., assumes significance as a decision on en masse resignation by ministers and legislators is expected to be taken.

The Cabinet's decision has caused hectic political activity in Hyderabad.

Andhra Pradesh Ministers and legislators from coastal Andhra and Rayalseema regions have termed the Union Cabinet's approval of bifurcation of the state a 'black day in democracy'.

The Telegu Desam Party (TDP) and YSR Congress party, which are also opposing the decision, have convened crucial meetings today.

Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde, who read out the Cabinet statement here last evening, said that a Group of Ministers (GoM) would be constituted to look into various issues between the two states.

He also said that the GoM would work towards ensuring the safety and security of the residents in all the three regions of Coastal Andhra, Rayalseema and Telangana, including the guarantee of their fundamental rights.

Shinde also said that the Group of Ministers would also look at the financial assistance for the state of Andhra Pradesh after the creation of Telangana, and to meet the special needs of the backward region and the district.

The Cabinet resolution would be sent to President Pranab Mukherjee with the recommendation that he refers it to the Andhra Pradesh state legislature.