The Congress party seems to be in a catch 22 situation on Telangana issue. The statement made by the union home minister P Chidambaram in Lok Sabha indicated that the party was in no hurry to take a decision on the burning bifurcation issue. He has also made it clear that the Centre cannot forcefully impose its decision on the state.

While the Congress kept on saying that it would soon be finding an appropriate solution to the problem has thrown the ball out of its court to be on a safe land in the wake of by-polls to 18 assembly constituencies and one lok sabha constituency in the state.

In fact, any decision on Telangana could cost the Congress party dearly as opposition parties are ready to grab any strong points to defeat the Congress.  While the party has already lost its strength in Telangana region due to its flip flop in December 2009, it is facing another major threat from YSR Congress party that presumably has strong hold in Andhra-Rayalaseema regions of the state.

While the Centre constantly stressed on consensus for finding out a solution, the opposition parties—CPM, CPI, MIM nd BJP have already given their stands. While CPM and MIM are in favour of unified state, CIP supported bifurcation.

TDP, on the other hand, is divided on the issue.  Meanwhile, the Congress itself has to come to a stand on the issue as YSR Congress is a new outfit but even Centre wants a stand from that party too although YS Jagan stated many a time that it was Centre which has to take a decision and their party respects Telangana sentiment.

With these statements, Jagan kept a check to the ruling Congress in the state. All in all, reports indicate that Jagan’s party is likely to come out with colours in the by-polls. (Phani)