Sonia Gandhi to take decision on Telangana; Hyderabad tense

New Delhi, July 12: Security has been beefed up in Hyderabad and other parts of Andhra Pradesh on Friday, July 12. Bndh was observed in Rayalaseema and Andhra regions of the state to protest any move to divide the state. Situation worsened at many places as it was expected that Sonia Gandhi would finally announce Congress' decision on Telangana.

The Congress President along with the Vice President Rahul Gandhi would attend a core Congress group meeting in which final decision on the disputed Telangana would be taken. Congress General Secretary Digvijay Singh, who has prepared a special report after his recent visit to the state, claimed that the decision "cannot be postponed anymore".

Meanwhile, another Congress leader, on the condition of anonymity, was quoted as saying, "We have to pick between two options. To accede to the demand for a separate Telangana state or to grant a special economic package mixed with doses of autonomy for the region."

The crucial meeting would be held in New Delhi. Those from Telangana hoped that Congress would take the decision in favour of a separate state.

However, Samaikya Andhra or united Andhra students' Joint Action Committee (JAC) called for a shutdown at different parts of Andhra Pradesh.

All colleges remained closed under 13 universities in the two regions. The universities have also postponed their post graduation counselling and exams due to the shutdown.

Schools remained closed in Vijayawada, Guntur, Visakhapatnam, Nellore, Chittoor, Tirupati, Anantapur, Kadapa, Kurnool and other towns.

OneIndia News
(With IANS inputs)