Digvijaya Singh hints at delay in Telangana

Hyderabad: AICC General Secretary Digvijaya Singh on Friday gave clear indications that the Telangana Bill might not be tabled during the ongoing winter session of the Parliament.

Addressing a press conference at Gandhi Bhavan here, Digvijaya Singh said that the President of India might convene a special session of the Parliament, if required for the Telangana Bill.

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Although he did not directly stated that the Telangana Bill might not reach the Parliament from the State Legislative Assembly before December 20, when the winter session ends, but by making a mention of convening of a special session, he indicated of certain delays in Telangana Bill.

Digvijaya Singh assured that the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) of State Legislative Assembly would take a decision on holding the debate on Telangana Bill on Monday.

He expressed confidence that the Bill would be passed in the Assembly although he said that as per the constitutional norms the views of Legislative Assembly is sought before taking a decision on bifurcating a State. His remarks clearly mean that the voting in Assembly might not be of relevance for the Centre for the formation of Telangana.

The AICC General Secretary also said that the High Command was aware of the statements made by Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy on the State bifurcation issue.

But he made it clear that all Congress leaders would have to abide by the decision of the Congress Working Committee. He also rubbished the criticism against the formation of Telangana. He said that all political parties have given their consent in writing for the formation of Telangana and they reversed their stand after the Centre took a final decision.

He appealed to all political parties to cooperate in smooth bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh.

Digvijaya Singh assured that the Centre would constitute a mechanism for proper distribution of resources among the two States. He said a Central agency would be constituted to oversee the sharing of Godavari and Krishna River waters.

Further, he said that Centre would take the responsibility of providing security to the jobs, properties and investments made in both the region. The Centre would take all measures for the overall development of both the States. He said that the Centre was considering giving tax sops to those who invest in the backward areas of both the States.

Digvijaya Singh appealed to the leaders of all political parties to avoid provocative statements. He said that all MLAs should get an opportunity to express their views on bifurcation issue in the State Legislative Assembly.

When asked about the Telangana Rashtra Samithi's merger with the Congress party, Digvijaya Singh said that TRS chief K. Chandrasekhar Rao should come forward for the same