The Lok Sabha today passed the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Bill, 2014 paving the way for creation of a separate state of Telangana. The Bill was passed by voice vote amid noisy protests. The Bill, moved by Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde was passed with 38 official amendments amidst uproar. All amendments moved by MIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi and Trinamool Congress leader Saugata Roy, were negated.
Initiating the discussion on the Bill, Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde said, the creation of Telangana will fulfill the democratic aspirations of the people of the region. He said, the government had held wide consultations with cross sections of the society before drafting the Bill. He said, the Bill was prepared in consultation with all Ministries by incorporating all necessary provisions. Mr Shinde said, the decision to create a new state for Telangana was not an easy one. However, he made it clear that bifurcation decision was not taken at the cost of either region. He assured that a special financial package will be given to Seemandhra region and its concerns will be addressed. The Home Minister exuded confidence that peace will be restored in both the regions very soon.
Participating in the discussion, Leader of Opposition, Sushma Swaraj said, her party extends full support to the passage of the Bill as it has been committed to it since beginning. However, she said, the Congress could not convince its own members including the Central Ministers and the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister in dealing with the issue. She said, Congress had promised Telangana in 2004 but initiated steps at the fag end of the last session of the current Lok Sabha. Sushma Swaraj said, justice should be rendered to Seemandhra region.
Science and Technology Minister Jaipal Reddy said, with the passage of the Bill, the long standing demand of the Telangana people has been fulfilled. Terming it as a joyous occasion, Jaipal Reddy said the people of Telangana have been agitating for a seperate state since 1960s. He said the formation of Telangana state was part of the Common Minimum Programme of UPA government in 2004 and the Congress decided to create the state on 9thDecember ,2009. Jaipal reddy assured that full protection will be provided to Seemandhra people living in Hyderabad.
The din in the House against the bifurcation of the state continued till the passage of the Bill. Along with Seemandhra MPs, members belonging to Samajwadi Party, Trinamool Congress and CPIM were in the well raising slogans against state bifurcation. Mr Asaduddin Owaisi and Saugata Roy raised objections over the way the amendments were rejected by voice vote. They insisted that proper division of votes be taken up for every amendment instead of head count and voice count. However, the Speaker asserted that the amendments were carried out as per procedures. After the passage of the Bill, the House was adjourned for the day. Earlier, the House witnessed three adjournments on the issue.
AIR Correspondent reports that when the Bill comes into force, the total number of states will rise to 29. Telangana will be the 29th state with ten districts and Hyderabad as joint capital of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The Bill is likely to be tabled in the Rajjya Sabha on Wednesday. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath said, it will be tabled immediately.
