Senior ministers elicit views of colleagues on Telangana

Both Purandeswari and Raju hail from the coastal Andhra region. Congress leaders from coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema regions are opposed to the formation of a separate Telangana state.

The consultation process came a day after Mukherjee,Chidambaram and Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad deliberated on the Telangana issue at length amid indications that protesters in the region would intensify their agitation for a separate state.

The process is also seen as an attempt to get the views of party leaders from coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema regions on the statehood demand.

After the meeting,both Purandeswari and Raju said they expressed their opinion on the issue.

“They asked us to give our opinion. I gave mine and also spoke about people’s apprehensions,” she said.

Raju said besides giving his opinion,he told the leaders that the “impasse” should end soon and an early decision on the issue should be taken.

The ministers are expected to interact with PCC chief and other party leaders later in the day. Actor Chiranjeevi is also rushing to the capital.