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. All the amendments moved by M I M 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. Mr. Shinde said the decision was not an easy one and made it clear that it was not taken at the cost of one region. He assured that a special financial package will be given to Seemandhra region and all their concerns will be addressed.

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 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. She 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. The din in the House against the bifurcation of the state continued till the passage of the bill. Along with Seemandhra members, members belonging to Samajwadi Party, Trinamool Congress and CPIM were in the well raising slogans against state bifurcation. After the passage of the bill, the House was adjourned for the day.