The DMK today staged a walk-out in the Rajya Sabha opposing the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Bill. Criticising the government's move to bifurcate Andhra Pradesh, party leader Kanimozhi said, her party opposes the Bill. BJP, BSP, CPI, NCP, Bodoland People's Front – BPF and TDP and Congress members from Telangana supported the Bill while Samajwadi Party, CPIM, Assam Gan Parishad, Shiromani Akali Dal and Biju Janata Dal opposed it in the ongoing heated discussion in the Upper House. Members from Trinamool Congress and TDP members from Seemandhra regions continued to raise slogans against the Bill seeking its withdrawal.
Earlier, initiating the discussion, BJP senior leader M Venkaiah Naidu reiterated that his party is committed to the creation of Telangana state. He accused the Congress of adopting double standards and messing up the whole issue. He said his party is in favour of a peaceful division by addressing the concerns of Seemandhra people. Mr Naidu said his party seeks special package for both regions, setting up of educational, health, research institutions for Seemandhra. He also demanded a proper mechanism for division of assets and liabilities. Describing the Bill as defective, he said his party is firm on proposing amendments to it so that justice is rendered to Seemandhra.
Participating in the discussion, CPIM leader Seetaram Yechury, alleged that both the Congress and the BJP colluded to divide Andhra Pradesh, the first state to be formed on the basis of linguistic criteria.
Congress leader and Minister of state for Tourism, K Chiranjeevi said though he is an integrationist, he will abide by the decision of the government. He demanded that Hyderabad be made a union territory at least for 10 years and Kurnool and Ananthapur districts be made part of Telangana. He also sought equal distribution of assets between the two regions. His remarks against the Telugu Desam party were countered by its members. Leader of the opposition Arun jaitely raised a point of order over Chranjeevi's remarks and wanted him to clarify whether is he is speaking on behalf of the council of ministers as he is opposing the stand of the government.
BSP leader Mayawati supported the Bill but disagreed on keeping Hyderabad as a common capital. She demanded a special package for Telangana as well as Seemandhra. Mayawati said her party has been always in support of small states for better governance.
JD(U) leader NK Singh, Samajwadi party leader Ram Gopal Yadav, CPI leader D Raja, Shiromani Akali Dal leader Naresh Gujaral also participated in the discussion which is still continuing.
