Shinde downplays protests and resignations

Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde on Friday down-played the ongoing agitation in Seemandhra agitation over the Union Cabinet's decision to bifurcate the State.

Talking to media persons here, Shinde said that the protests in Seemandhra region were quite natural and similar reactions were scene when other States were bifurcated. Therefore, he said that some ministers from the Seemandhra region have expressed apprehensions over the decision. Referring to the resignations, he said that such reactions were quite common. However, he said that efforts would be made to console and convince them. The Centre would take measures to address the concerns over the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh.

The Home Minister avoided a direct reply to the question of demands for separate States in the country. "Now we have considered Telangana. Nothing more than that," he said.

Shinde also ruled out the possibilities of increase in naxalites activities after the State's division. He said that Andhra Pradesh has successfully curbed the naxal activities and the same would be done after the formation of Telangana.