Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee puts the Telangana Congressmen at ease -  A delegation of around fifty MPs and MLAs from Telangana region called on the Union finance minister Mr Pranab Mukherjee  on Wednesday and apprised him of the need to create a separate Telangana state. Emerging from a 55minute meeting, the Telangana leaders, who were visibly excited, said their demand for statehood would be positively met by the leadership.

The Congress MP Mr Madhu Yashki Goud said, "Mr Mukherjee gave us a patient hearing and promised to give us a positive reply after consulting Mrs Sonia Gandhi , next week as she is currently out of station." Another MP Mr Vivek said that Mr Mukherjee appreciated the patience of party leaders from the region who had refused to defy the Congress on this important issue. He said: "Mr Mukherjee is of the view that a positive solution to the problem should be found out. He understands our predicament. He appreciated us for not defying the party."

Earlier the delegation called on the Union home minister, Mr P. Chidambaram and sought to impress upon him the need to spell out a time frame for the creation of a separate Telangana state. However, the members of the delegation were disappointed with Mr Chidambaram as they felt that he did not give them enough time.