GoM divided on Telangana; to meet again on Wednesday

The just-concluded meeting of the Group of Ministers has remained inconclusive and the same team would meet again on Wednesday. The contentious issue was the creation of a Rayal-Telangana and the GoM sought to know if this could be proposed despite it not being part of the Cabinet note.

The meeting which comprised officials of the law department sought time as they needed to consult these issues with the Prime Minister’s Office, the Cabinet secretary and also the attorney general.

The GoM had before it two issues -- creation of Telangana with two districts from Rayalseema or go ahead with the creation of the state with 10 districts as was originally proposed by the Cabinet and the Congress Working Committee.

The GoM observed in its findings that in the light of discussions some persons had proposed the creation of Rayal-Telangana. However it was not sure if it could propose the same as it was not present in the Cabinet note.

If the GoM could make a proposal or suggestion outside of what is in the cabinet note is something that would be discussed tomorrow after legal consultation.

During the meeting, two ministers Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh and Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad pressed for Rayal-Telangana while Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde said that they should go with the original proposal as it is the right thing to do.

This was the primary reason for the meeting to remain inconclusive. Along with legal experts, the GoM would also consult with Sonia Gandhi on the issue and finalise the issue by Wednesday.