Mixed reactions to Congress decision on Telangana

Leaders of Andhra Pradesh's ruling Congress have reacted on regional lines to Congress Working Committee's decision to carve out a separate Telangana state.

Congress leaders from Telangana hailed CWC decision as historic and thanked party president Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Deputy Chief Minister Damodar Rajanarasimha congratulated people of Telangana, saying their 56-year-old dream has finally come true.

"Telangana struggle is people's struggle for self identity, self respect and self rule. Hundreds of people sacrificed their lives," he said.

Congress leaders from Seemandhra (Rayalaseema and Andhra regions) termed the CWC decision unfortunate. Party MP from Vijayawada L. Rajagopal was confident that the state will remain united and the bill will be defeated in parliament.

Main opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has not come out with a clear reaction. Its leader Y. Ramakrishnudu merely said justice should be done to people of all regions. He said the party would wait for a decision by the union cabinet.

Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief K. Chandrasekhara Rao welcomed the CWC decision but said there would be no celebrations till the bill is passed in parliament. He also demanded the Congress party to clarify on Hyderabad as common capital for 10 years and make public other details.

YSR Congress Party criticised the Congress decision. Its leader M.V. Mysoora Reddy said Congress had taken a unilateral decision for votes.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state president G. Kishan Reddy asked Congress to clarify as to how many days it would take for formation of Telangana state. "It also need to come out with clarifications on Hyderabad as common capital.

Communist Party of India (CPI) welcomed CWC decision. Its state secretary K. Narayana said efforts should be made for early formation of Telangana state.