The Cabinet has approved the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh to create a separate state of Telangana. The Cabinate also approved the setting up of a Group of Ministers (GOM) to decide formalities for the creation of new state.
This was disclosed by Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde after the Cabinet Meeting in New Delhi this evening. Mr. Shinde said Hyderabad will be the joint capital of Telangana and Seemandhra for a period 10 years.
The GoM will look into special financial disbursement for the residuary state of Andhra Pradesh.Mr. Shinde also added that people of all the three regions namely Telangana, Rayalaseema and Seemandhra will be guaranteed fundamental rights. The new state would comprise ten districts including Hyderabad.
Earlier, scores of anti-Telangana supporters staged demonstrations outside Prime Minister's Residence where the cabinet meeting was going on. Holding Banners they were shouting slogans against division of the state and to save Andhra Pradesh. They were stopped by the police and taken away.
Meanwhile, the cabinet decision to bifurcate Andhra Pradesh has evoked mixed response in the Andhara Pradesh. Protesting against the centre’s decision, the state Non-Gazetted Officers Association has called for 48-hour bandh in Rayalaseema and Coastal Andhra regions from 6 AM tomorrow. The Employees have been striking work for the past 65 days in support to the united Andhra Pradesh. The Association president Ashok Babu said in Hyderabad that they will continue agitation in peaceful manner. He urged the central Government to withdraw bifurcation proposal as it did with the proposed ordinance with respect to convicted public representatives.
On the other hand, the supporters of statehood for Telangana have welcomed the cabinet decision to carve out separate state. Welcoming the bifurcation decision, Telangana Rastra Samithi President K Chandra Sekhar Rao has called upon people to be alert till the both houses of Parliament approve the relating bill. Several State Ministers and Parliament members from Telangana region thanked the cabinet for approving state bifurcation. They appealed to people of the Seeamdnhra regions to cooperate for formation of the new state.
