The Centre will respond as soon as possible on the demand for separate Telangana state, Home Minister P Chidambaram said on Monday.

Addressing his monthly press conference, he appealed to members of Parliament from Telangana including his party men to allow Parliament to function while their demand can be discussed. "We will respond as soon as possible," he said in reply to a question about Leader of the Opposition Sushma Swaraj asking the government to list the steps taken by it on the issue in the House.

Chidambaram said the ruling party had to take the "unfortunate" step of getting suspended its MPs frm Telangana for four days.

"Our appeal is to let the House function. Whatever discussions have to be held can be held outside the house. There are always welcome to meet leaders who are dealing with

the Telangana issue like Ghulam Nabi Azad and now Vayalar Ravi...they are available for discussions," he said.

Chidambaram said their appeal to them is that the government understands their concerns but while the matter is discussed, the House should be allowed to run.