Reiterating his earlier statement that talks are to be held with national leaders of various political parties on the daunting issue of Telangana before an official announcement is made on a possible solution, Union Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad said today that talks are a must to solve the issue.

Speaking to media persons in Delhi, Azad said it was true that talks were held with various stake holders in AP but it is also true that consultations are to be held with more persons before taking a final decision.

Mr Azad, who is also in charge of the congress affairs in AP, indicated that the chief minister of AP and others also should be consulted on the issue. Mr Azad’s statement comes in response to the questioning of the TRS leader Mr KCR on the need for more talks on the vexed issue.

Congress official spokesman Mr Abhishek Singhvi echoed the sentiments of Azad and said that more time is needed to take a final decision on the demand for Telangana state.

Bardhan: No more talks

Not agreeing with the views of the congress leadership, CPI national General Secretary Mr AB Bardhan said in Delhi today that no more talks are necessary on Telangana. “CPI fully stands by Telangana and we are committed to the formation of separate state,” he said.

US diplomats meet TRS leaders

Two senior officers of the US Embassy in India today visited the Telangana Bhavan, the TRS headquarters in Hyderabad and held a meeting with senior leaders of the party.

Mr K. Srimali and Mr Gautam Rana met Dr D.Sravan Kumar, TRS politburo member and Prof. Srinivasa Reddy, senior secretary in the office and held consultations on the agitation.

Though it is not clearly known what transpired in the talks, it is learnt the officials sought the details of the agitation.