The large delegation led by Higher Education Minister K. Sailajanath and senior MP K.S. Rao met Dr. Singh at his 7, Race Course Road residence for over 30 minutes and apprised him of the situation in the State. The lawmakers said they categorically told the Prime Minister that Andhra Pradesh should be kept united and no move should be made to divide the State.
The leaders said they clearly explained their position to him. Briefing reporters about the meeting, Mr. Sailajanath said the Prime Minister gave a patient hearing to them on all the issues raised and promised to convey our sentiments to AICC General Secretary Ghulam Nabi Azad, who is the party in-charge of Andhra Pradesh. "The Prime Minister asked us to be patient. As disciplined Congress workers, he said everyone should wait (for a decision to be taken). He told us that he will convey our sentiments to Azad," Mr. Sailajanath said.
The coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema leaders want the Centre to go by the sixth option recommended by the Justice B.N. Srikrishna Committee, which went into the statehood issue. The sixth option states that Andhra Pradesh should be kept united with Constitutional/Statutory powers to Telangana and formation of a regional council to ensure development in that region too.
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