One-sided decision on Telangana cannot be taken: Govt

Seeking to justify its action of putting on hold the creation of a separate Telangana state, the government today said "one-sided" decision cannot be taken, as consensus was required on the issue and expressed confidence that people will "accept it" after some time.

"Any important decision is taken with everybody's consent, after consultations with everybody. And this is what was felt by the government over the last few days that it is not possible at times to implement a one-sided decision all of a sudden," information and broadcasting minister Ambika Soni told reporters here.

She was responding when asked why the process of creation of Telangana has been put on hold.

Citing the situation in Andhra Pradesh, Soni said the Centre wants to take any decision "after proper consensus building".

The Centre last night announced that situation in Andhra Pradesh had "altered" since the decision on creation of Telangana, putting the issue on the backburner.

On the adverse reaction by pro-Telangana groups, Soni said "slowly and after some time, people will accept it (the decision)."

She, however, said the matter was not discussed in the cabinet meeting.

Home minister P Chidambaram last night said wide-ranging consultations were required with all political parties and groups in the state and that the Centre will take "steps to involve all concerned in the process".