India Telangana state decision 'expected'

Violent protests have taken place in Andhra Pradesh

India's ruling Congress party is likely to announce its support for the formation of a new state in the Telangana region of southern Andhra Pradesh state, media reports say.

The state has seen protests for and against the proposal in recent years.

With a population of 40 million, the proposed state comprises of 10 of Andhra Pradesh's 23 districts including Hyderabad, India's sixth biggest city.

Backers of the new state say the area has been neglected by the government.

Opponents of the move are unhappy that Hyderabad, home to many major information technology and pharmaceutical companies, could become Telangana's new capital.

Telangana

The final decision on a new state lies with the Indian parliament. But the state assembly must also pass a resolution approving its creation.

Media reports say senior leaders of the Congress party-led ruling coalition are due to meet on Tuesday and approve the formation of what will be India's 29th state.

"Now a decision has to be taken and it will be taken," Congress party leader Digvijay Singh was quoted as telling reporters by The Hindu newspaper.

Reports say that Hyderabad was likely to become a "joint capital" of both the new Telangana state and Andhra Pradesh until the latter develops its own capital.

Hundreds of paramilitary soldiers have been deployed in Andhra Pradesh to prevent any violent protests arising out of Tuesday's possible announcement.

Correspondents say the timing of the ruling party's support for the announcement of a new state is linked to crucial general elections early next year. Recent opinion polls have shown that the Congress party is struggling in the state, which has 42 parliamentary seats.

Deep divisions have emerged over the Telangana issue in the past four years.

In December 2009, India's Congress party-led government promised that the new state would be formed, but later said more talks were needed.