The BJP and TRS on Wednesday expressed dismay at the reported observations of Union finance minister Pranab Mukherjee that the Dec 9, 2009, statement issued by Union home minister P Chidambaram was a decision in haste. Seemaandhra Congress leaders had claimed after their meeting with Pranab in New Delhi on Tuesday that the finance minister had conveyed this to them.

State BJP president G Kishan Reddy said, "The statements by the finance minister indicates that there would be no immediate decision on the Telangana issue. These kind of statements are not only disappointing, but also demoralising."

The TRS asked the FM to come out with a clarification on the reported comments that were made in Delhi. while speaking to Seemandhra leaders during the latter's visit.

"We cannot trust the Seemandhra media or these Seemandhra leaders who have informed to the media that Pranab told them that the Dec 9 statement was made in haste. If the FM has to make such observations, he can as well inform the public through Parliament," TRS MLA T Harish Rao said.

"How can he make such observations when there is a vertical divide among people on regional lines. Such extreme observations would only result in greater animosity among people of all regions. The Centre alone will have to take responsibility for the consequences arising out of such statements," he cautioned.