GoM debates extra dists,special status

Andhra Assembly may get 40 days to pass resolution.

WITH President Pranab Mukherjee conveying to the government that all Constitutional and legal procedures should be followed while bifurcating Andhra Pradesh and accordingly the state Assembly be given 40 days to consider the resolution to this effect,parliamentary approval for the process of creation of Telangana is likely to be delayed until the Budget Session of Parliament. While it is up to the prerogative of the President to give time to the state Assembly to send the resolution back,Mukherjee is said to be following the precedence of the creation of Chhattisgarh when Madhya Pradesh had been given 40 days.

While rejecting the Attorney General G E Vahanvatis opinion,the Group of Minister GoM set up for bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh is of the view that constitutional amendment of Article 371-D will not be required. The GoM is likely to propose special status to both states under Article 371-D of the Constitution and will recommend that the draft Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Bill be named Andhra Pradesh and Telangana Bill,avoiding an amendment to the Constitution but allowing both the states to enjoy special status,said officials.

According to government sources,the proposal to reconstruct boundaries of Telangana and include two districts of Rayalseema Kurnool and Anantapur is also believed to have been discussed. However,a final decision is likely to be taken when GoM meets for the last time on Tuesday. The special Cabinet,which was scheduled for Tuesday,has been postponed and is likely to be held on Thursday.

However,the Congress played down the suggestions that the GoM could favour inclusion of two districts of Rayalseema in Telangana saying Telangana remains Telangana. Party general secretary in charge of Andhra Pradesh Digvijaya Singh at the same time made it clear that he was not aware what was the GoMs report. Telangana remains Telangana. Even if they the two districts are included,it remains Telangana, Singh said.

Despite Telangana Bill being on fast track mode,there is uncertainty whether it will be introduced in Winter Session of Parliament,considering the time required by the Andhra Pradesh Assembly to clear the Bill. However,the Assembly resolution is not binding under the Constitution,said officials. Sources said the possibility of convening a special session cannot be ruled out.