PM appeals for `peaceful` Andhra bifurcation as anti-Telangana MPs stage protest

Zee Media Bureau

New Delhi: With the Telangana issue dragging its feet and uncertainty over the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Bill, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday stressed on the need to have a “peaceful” bifurcation, in a meeting with leaders of the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS). "Nothing should be said or done that can inflame passions. I appeal to all that the bifurcation process should be peaceful," the PM told the TRS delegation headed by party chief K Chandrasekhar Rao. Briefing reporters later, Rao said, "He (PM) said the government is seriously committed and we are under any circumstances creating the Telangana state." Rao said the Prime Minister has given him assurance on the passage of the legislation for creation of the new state. TRS leaders also submitted with Singh a memorandum on Telangana state containing nine demands, said the PMO. The meeting came as even MPs from the Seemandhra region held a protest outside North Block to denounce the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh. The leaders had to be forcibly removed from there by the police. The Congress has stressed that passage of the Telangana bill will be one of its main goals during the Parliament session beginning tomorrow. Speaking separately, the Prime Minister today expressed hope that Parliament will be able to pass the bill on Telangana. Meanwhile, the Cabinet on Tuesday cleared the note on Telangana with some amendments.