Congress defends Telangana decision

A day after it approved creation of a separate Telangana state, the Congress Wednesday hailed it as a historic decision and defended the move, saying it has been received well in the country.

"It is a historic decision based on a long-pending demand," Congress spokesperson Meem Afzal told reporters.

"It has been accepted well in the country and by the political parties by and large. There is enthusiasm in Andhra Pradesh," he said.

Responding to a query on the demand for division of other states post Telangana, he said: "Congress is not against smaller states but any such decision is based on the local conditions and economic viability."

On the resignation of Congress legislators in protest against the decision to separate Telangana from Andhra Pradesh, he expressed the hope that "they will abide by the party decision".

Stating the party stands by its decision of 2001 suggesting a second state reorganisation commission for creation of smaller states, the Congress spokesperson said there was no discussion about other areas at the moment.