KCR Goes Ballistic as Governor Gets Powers

HYDERABAD: In a decision of far-reaching consequences, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao will be convening a conference of chief ministers of all states to ‘expose’ Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “fascist” actions vis-a-vis Telangana State.

The Chief Minister, after receipt of a letter from the Union Home Ministry that Governor would be vested with powers of law and order over Hyderabad, asked Chief Secretary Rajiv Sharma on Friday night to write a strongly-worded reply rejecting the proposal of the Centre.

Chandrasekhar Rao made it clear that Telangana State would not honour the directions of the Centre and that it would not implement it under any circumstances. Terming the act of Centre “undemocratic” and “unconstitutional”, the Chief Minister asked the Chief Secretary to send the copies of the letter received by the State from the Centre to  chief ministers of all the states.

The Chief Minister is keen on taking up a democratic movement against the “fascist” nature of the Centre by inviting the chief ministers of all the states for a conference to chalk out future course of action as the Centre’s move would tantamount to usurping the powers of a democratically elected government.

The Centre recently wrote to the State proposing amendments to the existing business rules under section VIII(A) of the AP Reorganisation Act-2014, vesting the Governor with powers to deal with law and order in the State capital.

The Common Police Board, comprising Hyderabad and Cyberabad police commissionerates, will report directly to the Governor and not to the Telangana government. The Governor will have the power to review investigation of any case within the two commissionerates.

The Centre also sought to bestow on the Governor powers to appoint or transfer police officials within the jurisdiction of the board. In effect, under the proposal, the Telangana government will have no say in policing in Hyderabad.

It may be recalled Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu had welcomed the Centre’s proposal but Chandrasekhar Rao rejected it outright, contending that the Centre had no role in interfering in maintenance of law and order as it is a state subject.

ON COLLISION COURSE

• KCR makes it clear that TS will not honour the directions of Centre
• Centre wants TS to adhere to Section 8 provisions of AP Reorganisation Act; KCR says they would not implement them under any circumstances 

CONTENTIOUS SECTION 8

• Section 8 deals with responsibility of Governor to protect residents of common capital of Hyderabad
• Centre issues guidelines to be followed for transaction of business in pursuance of Section 8 of AP Reorganisation Act

ARMOURY FOR GOVERNOR

• AP and Telangana police will guard vital installations in Hyderabad
• Governor will have the final say in deploying police forces in GHMC area in times of necessity
• Common Police Board will be set up with police officers of both the states
• The board in turn will report to the Governor
• The Governor will be empowered to review  the decisions of Telangana government on issues relating to Hyderabad
• The Governor will have say in transfer of police officials in Hyderabad as and when situation warrants
• Special cell to deal with hate crimes and crimes related to extortion to ensure speedy trial

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