Is a new angle emerging in the State division episode? Even as T protagonists are celebrating tabling of the bill, Seemandhra legislators are planning yet another move to block State division — given that a structured debate appears unlikely or even otherwise, they seem unwilling to allow it.
They are learnt to be considering submission of individual written statements opposing the bill and its various clauses to the Assembly Speaker, Chairman of the Legislative Council and the President. According to sources, senior lawyers are working on the submissions. Confirming that such a move is being contemplated, PCC spokesperson and MLC Paladugu Venkatrao was, however, not sure what kind of impact it would have.
“As we all know, members are only expected to express their views. The final call will be taken by Parliament. But we hope that if written submissions are made by a majority of the members, it will help their cause,” he said.
The idea seems to be that written statements will give them a reason to seek legal recourse yet again including on the ground that the bill is flawed and there is no scope to divide the State without amending Article 371 (D).
There is, however, no information that legislators of Telangana are also planning such a step. T protagonists are viewing the move by Seemandhra legislators in two ways: 1) The negative fallout could be that if not the courts, national parties like the BJP will be compelled to take note of the fact that a majority of the legislators are against division and accordingly, firm up their strategies as and when the bill is brought before Parliament. b) the positive fallout could be that it will reinforce the perception that the State is virtually divided on regional lines. “This itself can be a good enough reason for division as the dividing lines will be crystal clear once written submissions are made,” the Telangana leaders said. It is likely that the Telangana camp may also embark on submitting written statements.
MIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi told Express his party MLAs and MLCs will also submit written statements to the Speaker and Chairman of the Assembly/Council, Ministry of Home Affairs and the President on each and every clause of the bill if a proper debate does not take place in the Assembly.
kiran reassures his upset mantris
Seemandhra Ministers met Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy on Monday night. He reportedly told them voting is a must on the bill. The ministers later told reporters the debate issue would be discussed at the BAC meeting today and added they were for a structured debate.