Bhattacharjee took up the Telangana issue when he met the Prime Minister. He wanted to know what the Centre was doing to end the impasse in Andhra Pradesh and pointed out that the issue had a “direct bearing” on his state since there were demands for creation of three new states — Gorkhaland, Kamtapur and Greater Cooch Behar — in Bengal.

In what could be good news for Bhattacharjee, the Prime Minister told him that the Central government would not proceed with formation of Telangana until and unless there was a “consensus”. Singh said the Centre was “seriously trying” to start a dialogue with all political parties in Andhra and also at the national level to build the consensus.

The CPM is opposed to creation of smaller states except on linguistic basis. “The Telangana issue has a direct bearing on our state, especially in the hill areas and other parts. It is a very difficult situation for us. Some forces are already demanding a separate state,” Bhattacharjee told reporters.

The Prime Minister’s stress on consensus has strengthened Bhattacharjee’s case. With the CPM not sympathetic to creation of Gorkhaland, there is a little chance of consensus, and the Chief Minister could use this argument in the future to prevent bifurcation of Bengal. The Chief Minister also mentioned that the Assembly had to pass a unanimous resolution for creation of a new state.

“We are opposed to bifurcation of states. Divisions of states are neither possible nor desirable,” he said. Bhattacharjee also shot down the idea of setting up a second States Reorganisation Commission. “That will open a pandora’s box. There are already demands for creating 28 more states. More will come,” he said.

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