Don't link Telangana decision to demand for new states: Singh

Amidst rising clamour for new states in the backdrop of Telangana decision, senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh today said such demands have to be dealt with separately as every region faces different geographical and socio-economic issues.
"Well the demand for formation of new States has to be dealt separately because of the difference in the geographical and socio-economic status and other issues (in regions seeking statehood)," he told reporters outside the Madhya Pradesh Congress office here.
"So, therefore, decision on one state cannot be the reason for giving other regions the statehood," the Congress General Secretary maintained.
"Every case has to be seen in its own perspective," he said when asked about demand for creation of states like Gorkhaland, Bundelkhand and Vidarbha, among others.

Yesterday, the Congress and UPA gave nod for carving out Telangana state from Andhra Pradesh. Singh, in-charge of Congress affairs in Andhra Pradesh, was involved in hectic consultations which preceded the momentous decision.
On opposition within the Congress on the issue of creation of separate Telangana, Singh said "bifurcation of any state is always a very unpleasant task. But now we are talking to all sections from Andhra/Rayalaseema regions and Telangana and requesting them to have patience."
"All the issues raised in them would be addressed by the Government of India and we shall take into confidence the state leadership of both Telangana and Andhra so that the best package is given to all sections of the society."

He refuted the charge that timing of the decision on Telangana was politically motivated. "Timing is not very important. The decision has been taken after consultation with all concerned. There is no relation whatsoever with elections.