Decision can't be put off, says Digvijay

* Core Group will discuss T with both options open * May need Constitutional amendment

New Delhi (PTI): Maintaining that a decision cannot be postponed "anymore", senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh said on Thursday that the crucial meeting of the Congress Core Group will discuss the Telangana issue with "both options open"-- status quo or creation of a separate state.

He, however, remained non-committal on whether the party has decided to carve out a separate state of Telangana. "I cannot say anything on this. This has to be decided by the Government of India in consultation with UPA partners. As this may also need amendment to the Constitution, we may have to take Opposition parties also on board," Digvijay told PTI when asked whether a decision has been taken in favour of creation of a separate Telangana.

Queried about reports that he had promised some 'sweet news' for Telangana people, the senior Congress leader said he had promised only a decision assuring there would be "no ambiguity". His remarks are significant as they come against the backdrop of speculation that the party may be veering round to the creation of a separate state.

"I have asked the Chief Minister (Kiran Kumar Reddy), the PCC chief (Botcha Satyanarayana ) and the Deputy Chief Minister (Damodar Rajanarasimha) to prepare a roadmap of political strategy leading to 2014 Assembly and Lok Sabha elections keeping both options open," Digvijay said.

The Congress leader, who had submitted a report on the Telangana issue to Sonia Gandhi, refrained from commenting on the contents and the plus and minus points of creation of Telangana and maintaining status quo on united Andhra Pradesh. He steered clear of questions whether a third option was on the cards amid reports of plans of creation of a Rayala-Telangana clubbing two districts from Rayalaseema with the Telangana region.

He said the State leaders were going to give a presentation before the Congress Core Group on Friday (today) and on that basis the Government of India would take a decision. "There are pros and cons of both the options. Ultimately, the Government of India has to take a view," he said. To questions about the party's commitment on the issue, Digvijay said: "If you see the manifesto, we had promised Second State Reorganization Commission."

Maintaining that the 2004 manifesto has expired in 2009, he remarked, "but there have been instances of commitment made from time to time by various leaders and therefore the Government of India will have to take a considered view".

Diggy's house turns hub of activity

Hyderabad/New Delhi: The house of AICC incharge of state affairs Digvijay Singh became the hub of hectic political activity on Thursday, a day ahead of the crucial core committee meeting. The Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy and the PCC president Botcha Satyanayarana called on Digvijay separately late on Thursday night. Kiran was with Digvijay Singh for about half an hour.

Later the Deputy Chief Minister D Rajanarasimha also called on the AICC general secretary. All these three leaders are said to have discussed about the core committee meeting to be held on Friday and submitted their reports to him. The T leaders led by minister for Panchayat Raj K Jana Reddy including D K Aruna and Sunita Lakshma Reddy also called on Digvijay Singh.