Lok Sabha, the lower House of the bicameral Indian Parliament, on Tuesday passed the controversial bill that seeks to create Telangana as the 29th state of the Indian Union bifurcating southern state of Andhra Pradesh.
The Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Bill, 2014 was adopted by voice vote along with several official amendments, with the support of the main opposition BJP amid din, strong protests by members from Seemandhra region and unprecedented TV blackout, according to media reports in India.
There was no live telecast by Lok Sabha TV for 90 minutes during clause by clause consideration of the bill before its passage.
Many members protested the way the bill was passed in the din, saying it was against the democratic norms and a “black day” in the country’s democracy.
The Bill was passed after a very brief discussion in which only Leader of the Opposition Sushma Swaraj and minister Jaipal Reddy, a pro-Telangana leader from Andhra Pradesh, spoke.
Earlier, moving the bill for consideration and passage, Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde said the Centre will give special financial package to Seemandhra, residual part of Andhra Pradesh, to address the grievances of the people of that region.
The bill was introduced in the House on February 13 amid unprecedented scenes marked by fisticuffs, pepper spraying and breaking of House articles. 16 MPs belonging to Seemandhra region were suspended and they could not attend the House on Tuesday.
In the bill, which will now go to Rajya Sabha, the Upper House of the Parliament, for approval, the government has promised to set up an expert committee within 45 days of formation of Telangana to give suggestions for a new capital of residuary Andhra Pradesh.
It envisages that Hyderabad will be common capital of Telangana and Seemandhra for 10 years which includes the existing area notified as Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation.
The Centre also tried to address the grievances of Seemandhra region by promising to take appropriate fiscal measures, including offer of tax incentives to the successor states, to promote industrialisation and economic growth in both states.
The Central government will also provide special financial support for creation of essential facilities in the new capital of the successor state of Andhra Pradesh, including the Raj Bhavan, High Court, government secretariat, Legislative Assembly, Legislative Council and such other essential infrastructure.
Source: Bd news24
